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

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. This page from the Family Assistance Office links to information about eligibility, rates and how to apply.

http://www.familyassist.gov.au/payments/family-assistance-payments/baby-bonus/

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

Birth and adoption

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/birth-and-adoption

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 child (Tas)

Tasmanian Government page with 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/

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

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 Australia

As the Australian government agency for health payments and information, Medicare Australia administers major programs including Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, the Australian Organ Donor Register and several professional programs to support health outcomes.

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/

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.familyassist.gov.au/payments/family-assistance-payments/paid-parental-leave-scheme/

Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline

Phone the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline on 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-helpline

Search for child care (National Childcare Accreditation Council)

Search for child care services by location or name to find contact details and Accreditation information. All services listed are registered with NCAC to participate in the Child Care Quality Assurance systems.

http://www.ncac.gov.au/Search/Search1.asp