Family Care Cottage
The Family Care Cottage is a community based unit of The Maitland Hospital providing parenting support to families in the Upper and Lower Hunter.
The Family Care Cottage is a specialist service providing evidence based support to expectant parents and families with babies and young children up to the age of three.
At the Family Care Cottage we understand that parenting can be a challenging time for a range of different reasons. Our multidisciplinary team made up of Child and Family Health Nurses’ and social workers are here to provide support along the way.
What services are provided?
The FCC provides centre based appointments, day stay, home visiting and group programs for a range of concerns associated with parenting. We work together with you to find ways to reach the goals for your family.
We can help with the following:
Complex feeding issues
Child and Family Health Nurses at Family Care Cottage offer information and practical assistance with all types of feeding challenges for your baby or child.
Child behaviour
Sometimes toddlers can be challenging! The Family Care Cottage team offer strategies and approaches that best fit the needs of the family.
Infant crying and setling
Child and Family Health Nurses at Family Care Cottage offer information and practical assistance with infant crying and settling techniques.
Adjustment to parenting
Having a new baby in your home can be a big change and sometimes it can be hard to adjust. The Family Care Cottage understand that adjusting to parenting can feel overwhelming at times, and that things that may not have been stressful in the past can now be a challenge. Our team supports families by assisting practically and emotionally with these big life changes.
Anxiety and depression
Our team can explore with you issues and feelings of depression and anxiety. Counselling support provided by our social workers is available to meet your individual needs.
Relationship with your child
With the birth of a baby we form a new relationship and this can sometimes take time. We understand that this is not always easy and the Family Care Cottage team will support you to build and guide your relationship with your child.
Who works here?
- Child and Family Health Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Social Workers
Referrals
For health professionals
Please complete and submit the Family Care Cottage Referral Form.
For parents/carers
Referrals: you and your health provider may decide that coming to the Family Care Cottage could be helpful to your family. Referrals can be made by your child and family health nurse, doctor, health professional or family worker. Appointments are necessary. Family Care Cottage team will contact you to discuss your referral if accepted.
What to bring with you:
- Blue book
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Snacks
- Things that help your baby go to sleep
Resources
Raising children’s network- https://raisingchildren.net.au/
Tresillian- https://www.tresillian.org.au/
Karitane - https://karitane.com.au/
Circle of Security Parenting - https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/
PANDA - https://www.panda.org.au/
Beyond Blue Australia - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Australian Breastfeeding Association- https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
Location and contact information
Address: | Melbee House, 550-560 High St, Maitland NSW 2320 |
Postal: | PO Box 2320, Maitland 2320 |
Phone: | (02) 49392530 |
Fax: Email: | (02) 49320097 Hnelhd-MaitlandFamilyCare@health.nsw.gov.au |
Hours: | Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm |
Fees: | There is no cost for this service |
Wheelchair Access: | There is wheelchair access to the service |