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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to opt out of health visitor visits

82 replies

HVinterfering · 09/06/2026 16:36

I have a very overbearing HV who has told me that she is ‘concerned’ by how I’m weaning dd!

we have a lot of allergies in the family - she has told me to give dd these things to ‘ desensitise her and stop an allergy developing’ that early exposure will mean she won’t be allergic . I said no early exposure will just risk an earlier reaction !

She also said baby led is now the default and she isn’t happy that we are doing traditional weaning. I’ve heard you can opt out - if I do this will it cause problems? I simply don’t want her interfering anymore and criticising me .

OP posts:
Happytaytos · 09/06/2026 16:53

You've no basis to argue against the evidence re allergies. A reaction when young doesn't mean they won't grow out of it, or not react when older. All the evidence points towards exposure rather than limiting exposure to allergens.

She's also right about BLW. It doesn't have to be 100% BLW but it's important for developing coordination and swallowing skills to eat from non purée materials.

However yanbu to refuse HVs if you don't want them.

Viviennemary · 09/06/2026 16:49

She sounds awful. Ask for a different one.

Original poster
HVinterfering · 09/06/2026 16:47

welshweasel · 09/06/2026 16:41

She’s right on the allergy front - there is robust evidence that early exposure to potential allergens reduces risk of allergy.

Of course you can refuse her visits. It’s also fine to just thank her for her advice, do your own research, and make your own informed choices.

My other dc reacted the first time they had their allergens under a year old so I just can’t do it as for us it seems the advice isn’t correct. I tried to tell her this and she said ‘you need to follow the advice - or do you want another child with allergies ‘

OP posts:
welshweasel · 09/06/2026 16:41

She’s right on the allergy front - there is robust evidence that early exposure to potential allergens reduces risk of allergy.

Of course you can refuse her visits. It’s also fine to just thank her for her advice, do your own research, and make your own informed choices.

Blimms · 09/06/2026 16:40

Rightly or wrongly, the NHS does suggest exposing babies to allergens to stop an allergy developing. However, your relationship with the HV doesn’t sound very productive and it’s within your rights to opt out. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/food-allergies-in-babies-and-young-children/

nhs.uk

Food allergies in babies and young children

Find out how to protect your child from food allergies, such as allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, seeds, and fish and shellfish.

https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/food-allergies-in-babies-and-young-children

Marycontrarygarden · 09/06/2026 16:38

Nah, get rid of her.

ThisAmpleCritic · 09/06/2026 16:38

You can opt out of any and all healthcare.