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Original poster

I'm A Health Visitor - AMA

52 replies

MaryPoppinsisreal · 04/09/2019 21:19

Just that really. I've seen a lot of negativity over the past few years, would be really interested to know if people have an understanding of our role, or have any questions about it.

OP posts:
uptheapplesandpearss · 04/09/2019 22:08

I exclusively breastfeed but have been seeing things online regarding iron deficiency anaemia after 4 months and needing an iron supplement. Is this true? I plan on asking my HV anyway but curious to see what other HV's have to say about it too! Thanks

Original poster
MaryPoppinsisreal · 04/09/2019 22:17

@MrsApplepants I totally undersand that not everbody needs or wants the extra support, and that first newbirth visit can be loooonnngggg! To be honest it's actually very rare that anybody declines any initial visits, particularly so with first babies. If a parent has had previous children and declined visits for subsequent children, the HV would probably look at the previous notes for any red flags (ie. domestic violence, safeguarding issues) but if there were none, then they would just make a note on the record and close the referral. Health visiting is not a compulsory service.

OP posts:
Rainbows1988 · 04/09/2019 22:19

My daughter has developmental needs and our HV has access to and reads all her hospital letters. I wasn't sure why she should be having access to them as some things we would like to keep private. When she does the developmental checks I feel they are a waste of time as she is checking against what a typical child would be doing. Is this something that is you normally would deal with or pass on to the other HCP involved?

boomboom1234 · 04/09/2019 22:26

What age can you have stuffed animals in the cot?

livinglavidavillanelle · 04/09/2019 22:29

@rainbows I personally wouldn't generally do developmental reviews on a child who is receiving paediatric/hospital care. This is the sort of thing I find really frustrating. I'd like to ask that health visitor why, what is she hoping to achieve? It's not going to make you feel better or more supported, in fact quite the opposite. I think sometimes we have to use more common sense.

livinglavidavillanelle · 04/09/2019 22:34

@boomboom as far as I know, there isn't a 'safe for stuffed toys' age Wink. That said, I'd be happier from 6 months onwards, when babies have more head control - enough for eating - when they can independently turn their little heads away from anything that is preventing them from being able to breathe.

Horehound · 04/09/2019 22:35

I had my first after birth visit today. I really like my HV and find what she us saying useful. I think people mistakungly think what a HV says just be adhered to but obv every baby and household is different. They can give you best educated advice and you should adapt to your needs.
When I was pregnant I thought I'd definitely refuse the service but when I had the introductory visit when still pregnant I found she has a lot of info and tips I really needed to hear!

Figmentofimagination · 04/09/2019 22:37

My son (2years 4months) has his 2 year review next week. What can I expect from this?

itsmonday · 04/09/2019 22:37

Do you take notes and scan the house for cleanliness when you do home visits?

mwmw · 04/09/2019 22:38

I can't get my baby to take a bottle :( she's 6 months old and I've tried all the big brands! Any advice would be so appreciated

bunnypenny · 04/09/2019 22:41

@MaryPoppinsisreal My son is 9.5months old and hasn’t seen a HV since he was 4 weeks old. We have not been contacted by them since is that right? I thought there was a 9 month check. Will the HV get in touch to arrange?

livinglavidavillanelle · 04/09/2019 22:42

@uptheapplesandpears I have seen some research around this too, are you taking any type of vitamins already?

uptheapplesandpearss · 04/09/2019 22:47

@livinglavidavillanelle no I'm not.. the research I've seen suggests babies have enough iron supply to last 4-6 months unless they are born premature, the mother was anaemic during pregnancy, the cord was clamped straight after birth.. all of which happened during my pregnancy/birth. I could still be anaemic (I was never told and haven't had a blood test yet!) so I'm super worried DC hasn't been getting enough iron and it's making me reluctant to continue BF

Ginger1982 · 04/09/2019 22:50

My HV told me recently that I shouldn't encourage my 2.5 year old DS to predominantly use his left hand, as he seems to want to, and try to get him to use his right. Surely this is outdated advice?

ThighThighOfthigh · 04/09/2019 23:04

When our youngest was born we were stable, relaxed, experienced but we were also having an imminent house move.

We put the carry cot on an upturned box near our bed and just laughed about being completely upside down. I must say i admired how practical and non judgemental the MW and HV were.

Tolleshunt · 04/09/2019 23:12

Are HV’s expected to push parents to put children into nursery, even if no childcare is required?

My HV was really pushy about putting DD into nursery, before she was even two. As it happens, we were going to do so anyway, but I was surprised at the level of pressure. What was the deal with that? Is it policy that parents should be ‘encouraged’ to put their children in nursery as early as possible? If so, why?

Biggie123 · 04/09/2019 23:12

@Ginger1982 really? I didn’t know that was ever a thing. Why did they used to recommend that?!

SilkClayFlowers · 04/09/2019 23:15

My health visitor has been wonderful at helping me navigate the complex ASD, SN pathways thank you.

On another note do you have any mandatory annual breastfeeding updates?

LittleTopic · 04/09/2019 23:18

Ooh good thread!

Our HV told us that they follow up all A&E admissions. Is this true and what detail do you get? I assume it would be true from a safeguarding perspective.

Our DD had a health problem which meant several A&E visits in her first 12 weeks, one including admission to the children’s ward for several days. Our hospital also has a mad policy whereby they triage you for a routine blood test so we have about 15 A&E visits on her record! Whilst the HV called after the first admission (and she had zero knowledge of why we had been to hospital at all) she hasn’t followed up the subsequent 14 or so visits.

Is this a byproduct of being overworked or is she concentrating on more ‘serious’ cases? Whilst DD is now happy and healthy I would have liked the support at the time.

BizzzzyBee · 04/09/2019 23:26

What’s the point of the HV service? It seems like just safeguarding to me. Great for identifying babies who need protection but not much use to someone (ie me) who doesn’t need safeguarding.

And is there supposed to be regular contact? I haven’t seen mine for about a year.

Dinosauraddict · 05/09/2019 05:21

Thanks @MaryPoppinsisreal that's really helpful and reassuring to know!

StealthPolarBear · 05/09/2019 05:52

bunny penny there are four mandated reviews, a new birth visit, one at 6-8 weeks, one at one year and the two (-2.5) year development check. Your local area may offer more but you should have had a review at 6-8 weeks, separate from your postnatal check. Are you in London?.

Ds's a and e visit was followed up by phone call.

bunnypenny · 05/09/2019 08:04

@StealthPolarBear yeah I’m in London! No one ever contacted me after he was signed off after the post natal checks for the 6-8week check and I’ve never felt the need to contact the HV for assistance. Will they contact me for the 1 year review or do I contact them?

StealthPolarBear · 05/09/2019 18:21

They should contact you

StealthPolarBear · 05/09/2019 18:21

But as the op said if you have concerns before then you should contact them or your gp