Antenatal heath visitor visit - what happens?

[ilovechocolate80]

Just had a letter about this. Says it will take an hour?

Already have to happy, healthy older children so nothing I want or need to ask?

Has anyone had this? Why is she going to be here an hour and what will she ask?

[ilovechocolate80]

two - pregnancy brain!

[ParsnipSoup]

I had one last week. Asked a lot about family set-up, support, if there were previous traumatic life events. She also explained about when the HV does visits, other local things I can access, gave some breastfeeding support bits too. She also had a cuddle with my cats.

[ilovechocolate80]

Traumatic life events?! Letting you know about local services and offering advice is one thing, but I don't like the sound of that. Surely that's the thing you seek councilling about on your own terms, not be forced to give details to a health visitor who's invited themselves over. Sounds a bit ott and intrusive.

[Idontknowwhoiam]

Are you in a flying start area? I had one the other day because of that.
Mine was very nice, just a chat and a get to know you.
She filled in a few forms but the questions didn't seem intrusive.
After quite severe PND after my daughter I was quite pleased she will be so accessible and involved!

[ilovechocolate80]

Not heard of that before. My son is 11 and the health visitor I had back then really helped with breastfeeding. It just seems weird to have one over before there is a baby to weigh etc. Im glad to hear it's wasn't intrusive. As long as it's not intrusive, I'm happy.

[ParsnipSoup]

Mine was asking me about family bereavements, if I'd ever witnessed domestic violence or any extreme violence, whether or not I considered my childhood happy... I almost felt bad that I've been lucky enough to live a very boring and cheerful life.

[ilovechocolate80]

Yeah, me too lol. That would make me feel really uncomfortable being questioned like that?! "Do you consider your childhood happy?". What kind of a question is that to a stranger during a routine visit? I'm pretty shocked at that to be honest.

[cindyrella]

They'll be looking to see you're ok mentally and physically. If you're a risk of post natal Depression. If you're in a violent relationship. If you're in your own home you're more like to be open. They're nice and it's just like a wee chat. Doesn't feel intrusive (not for me at least)

[randomsabreuse]

Missed mine. Moved areas within county and then DD arrived at 38 weeks!

[Idontknowwhoiam]

In Wales they have flying start areas where parents get a higher level of support from midwives, health visitors etc and the hv visits begin before birth.
You get nursery from term after 2nd birthday and loads of extra classes etc
Parsnip that does sound a bit much! Fr some of the hv posts on here I've been really lucky over the years with who I've had as a hv!

[FellOutOfBedTwice]

It might be random. My friend who's a HV (in England- London) says basically a certain number get drawn out of a hat for a pre birth visit and they're looking for signs the mother may be at risk of pnd, that the baby has somewhere safe to sleep, that they have support in place etc. Nothing to worry about.