The first year of a baby’s life presents many challenges for a new parent and we are here to add help and support
Parenting support
What we do
We can provide extensive support through our Early Parenting Unit (EPU), in a very caring and understanding environment.
The EPU is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of midwives, nurses, registered nurses, psychologist and social worker.
The experienced team in the Early Parenting Unit (EPU) will help you:
- Nurture strong bonds with your baby
- Gain confidence in your own parenting skills
- Manage feelings of anxiety, stress and fatigue
- Develop a sensitivity to your baby’s cues and signals
We also provide observation and screening for any underlying difficulties and can refer you to appropriate services as required.
If you have any questions or need support in your first year as a parent, phone (03) 5997 9674, or fill in our EPU Client Assessment Form and email to epu@krhs.net.au.
Early Parenting Unit client assessment form
Early Parent Unit Form
78KB - pdf
Parenting Support
Becoming a parent can be overwhelming. If you have a baby between 0 and 12 months, our Day Stay Program can help you adjust to some of the new challenges you face.
In this free public facility, you will be supported by a very caring team of midwives, mothercraft nurses and other health specialists to ensure that you and your baby get the best start together.
You will receive information and support about a range of parenting issues, such as normal childhood development, techniques to soothe and settle infants and feeding either by breast or bottle.
In this valuable program, we will help you recognise the ‘feed, play, sleep’ cycle – as we know this to be the most beneficial to most babies. Of course, we acknowledge individual babies and parents’ needs and behaviours and will provide advice and support accordingly.
Infant Feeding Clinic
Koo Wee Rup Infant Feeding Clinic provides free personalised advice and support to families with infants from Internationally Accredited Lactation consultants.
Feeding your baby, whether breast or bottle feeding can sometimes be confusing and frustrating, our lactation consultants can assist and support you to overcome common problems such as:
- Positioning and attachment difficulties
- Low Breast milk supply
- Management of sore nipples
- Assessment of infant's tongue and lip
- Feeding support of multiples e.g. twins, triplets
- Reflux issues
- Weaning
- Introduction to solids
- Low, poor weight gain
- Mastitis
Sleep and Settling
Through the haze of sleep deprivation, it can sometimes seem hard to imagine when you’ll ever get a full night’s sleep again. If your baby is not settling or sleeping well, our Day Stay Program can help.
Our caring nurses will show you how the ‘feed, play, sleep’ cycle will help your baby settle more comfortably – and will share techniques for soothing your baby and helping them (and you) to sleep.
In this supportive environment, we will also observe your baby for any underlying reasons why they may be unsettled and will refer on to appropriate services if required.
Midwifery
The first days and weeks at home after having a baby can be overwhelming. A home visit from our midwives will help you and your baby get the best start.
These wonderful midwives will also answer any questions you may have; and can connect you with Kooweerup Hospital early parenting support services should you need them.
Get more details
If you have any questions or need support in your first year as a parent please reach out to The Early Parenting Unit (EPU) for support:
Where: Kooweerup Hospital
When: Monday to Friday 8:00am — 4:00pm
Phone: (03) 5997 9674
Email: epu@krhs.net.au
Kooweerup Hospital
Address
215-235 Rossiter Rd
Koo Wee Rup VIC VIC 3981
Phone
(03) 5997 9674
Email
Opening hours
Early Parenting Unit
Monday to Friday
8:00am — 4:00pm