Starting a family
Adopting children from overseas
Fact sheet produced by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship providing an overview on overseas adoption.
http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/36adopting.htm
Australian Childhood Immunisation Register
The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register is a national register that records vaccinations given to children under seven years of age.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/Medicare/australian-childhood-immunisation-register
Baby bonus
Baby Bonus is paid to families following the birth (including stillborn babies) or adoption of a child. It recognises the extra costs incurred at the time of a new birth or adoption.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/baby-bonus?utm_id=10
Birth
HealthInsite topic page linking to information on health issues for both mothers and babies during birth. Provides related information on pregnancy, birth complications, birthing options, pain relief, caesareans, babies and birth defects.
Healthinsite provides links to some of Australia's most authoritative health organisations and their websites.
http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Birth
Breastfeeding helpline
Available 7 days a week on 1800 686 268. Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) counsellors are trained volunteers who provide counselling and breastfeeding information to any person seeking their help. All ABA counsellors have breastfed at least one baby for at least nine months.
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/products/counselling.asp
Child care - find a child care service
Search by type of care (long, occasional, after school etc), location (town, postcode etc) or name of centre to find approved child care services in your area.
http://ifp.mychild.gov.au/ChildCareService/Search.aspx
Having a baby (NSW)
A new, comprehensive reference guide for women who are pregnant or planning to have a baby and their families. It has been designed to offer expert advice to women on what they can expect during pregnancy, birth and the first weeks with their new baby, as well as tips on how they can prepare for this exciting time.
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2006/having_a_baby.html
Having a baby - MoneySmart
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life. Getting your money under control with these MoneySmart tips before your life changes, will help to meet the needs of your child, and yourself.
http://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/life-events/having-a-baby
Having a baby in Victoria
If you are having a baby, or thinking about becoming pregnant, you will want to know and think about the types of care offered by Victoria's maternity services through the public hospital system.
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/maternity/index.htm
Having a baby or adopting a child
Having a baby or adopting a child is a major event. A range of services and payments are available to assist new parents, including Paid Parental Leave and Baby Bonus. You should also register your new baby or adopted child with the medicare program.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/having-a-baby-or-adopting-a-child
Having a child (Tas)
Provides links to resources for new parents, including birth registration requirements, child health centres, immunisation, and health services available during and after pregnancy.
http://www.service.tas.gov.au/browse/Having+a+child/
Immunise Australia Program
This website provides information about immunisation and Australian immunisation standards, including translations of some materials. Based on accurate information available at this time, the Immunise Australia Program website will help you to make informed decisions.
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/
Medicare
Medicare, part of the Department of Human Services, provides all Australians with affordable, accessible and high quality health care.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/dhs/medicare
Paid Parental Leave scheme
The Paid Parental Leave scheme provides a government funded entitlement for working parents. You may be eligible for Parental Leave Pay if you are the primary carer of a child born or adopted from 1 January 2011.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/paid-parental-leave-scheme?utm_id=10
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service
Phone the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service 1800 882 436 for support relating to pregnancy, birthing, post-natal care and parenting in the first 12 months. Service operates 24 hours a day.
http://australia.gov.au/service/pregnancy-birth-baby-service
Quit for You - Quit for Two
iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android - Provides support and encouragement to help you give up smoking if you are pregnant or planning to be.
http://quitnow.gov.au/internet/quitnow/publishing.nsf/Content/quit-now-apps
