The Parent Support Centre at Catherine’s House is here to support you, your baby, and your family during pregnancy and the first year after birth. We know this can be a time of big changes — joyful, but also sometimes overwhelming.
Our team is here to walk alongside you with care, understanding, and practical support.
What we offer
Our team provides a range of supports that can be tailored to you and your family. This may include:
Brief Individual Support
- Emotional and mental health care: psychology, counselling, psychiatry
- Medical care: GP and nursing support
- Infant feeding support: lactation consultant services
- One-on-one support for adjustment, wellbeing, and relationships
- One-on-one support for feeding, sleeping, soothing difficulties
Group Support
- Circle of Security: helping parents understand and strengthen their bond with their baby
- Together in Mind: a group program for parents with mental health difficulties adjusting to the challenges of early parenthood
Volunteer Support (Parent Aide Unit)
- Trained volunteers who visit families at home each week
- Practical support with the day-to-day challenges of parenting a baby
- A friendly listening ear to reduce isolation and help parents feel more confident
Holistic, Family-Centred Care
- Support that looks at the whole picture: your mental health, your baby s wellbeing, your relationships, and your family's needs
- Care that adapts as your baby grows and your needs change
Who can access this service?
We welcome:
- Parents and caregivers who are pregnant or have a baby under 12 months
- Both birthing and non-birthing parents (including partners)
- Families linked with Mater Mothers, as well as those living in our catchment area (link catchment map)
- Families from all backgrounds
Contact
For more information or to make a booking, please call 07 3163 2299 or email CH.MBF@mater.org.au.
If you live in South East Queensland and are coming to a face-to-face appointment, the centre is located in Catherine’s House for Mothers, Babies and Families at Baggot Street Drive, South Brisbane QLD 4101.
If you are concerned about your health, or that of your baby, please phone:
- 000 (triple zero) in an emergency
- 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)—qualified staff will provide advice
- The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) offers a 24-hour breastfeeding counselling service. ABA counsellors can be contacted on 1800 686 268.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
A referral is not required to access Mater Mothers’ Parenting Support Centre, although your local GP may suggest you make a booking to visit service. You will need to make an appointment. Please call 07 3163 2299.
Is there a cost to access the service?
The service is free for all eligible parents with a valid Medicare card.
Are telehealth appointments offered?
Yes, we offer individual telehealth appointments. Our group and volunteer programs are in-person supports.
Is parking available for face-to-face appointments?
For details about parking and transport information, please click here
If I’m attending a face-to-face appointment, how many other people will be at the service when I’m there?
The centre in South Brisbane is focussed on providing a personal and comfortable service. With this in mind, we offer day stay for a maximum of four families per day and ensure group sessions are limited in numbers.
For families attending via telehealth, all consultations will be private.
If I’m attending a face-to-face appointment, what do I need to bring with me?
Please bring the following items with you when attending Mater Mothers’ Parenting Support Centre for face-to-face appointments:
- your Medicare card
- your baby health record book
- change of clothes for your baby
- any current medications
- your baby’s favourite toy/blanket
- a pram/stroller
- if formula feeding, please bring enough formula for the day.