to ask the health visitor why she's here

[womblesofwestminster]

Recently I got a letter from the health visiting team. It was informing me that an appointment had been made for a home visit for my DS because he has just turned 2.

DS is not a PFB. There's been no concerns with his development or health. No missed vaccinations or GP appointments. Nothing. So why the need for the visit?

I phoned and cancelled the appointment saying I had no concerns with my DS. They phoned back a few days later to say another appointment had been arranged. WTF? I thought this service was optional not mandatory?!

[Gruntfuttock]

HOw did the HV's visit go, OP? Not as bad as you expected I hope.

[FutTheShuckUp]

Yes we did get that you have issues wombles....

[womblesofwestminster]

aworkingmummy mine are shite.

[aworkingmummy]

My DS's 2 year check next week and I'm really looking forward to it. Our HVs are brilliant and between them and the neonatal nurses gave me & DH a lot of support and reassurance with DS (he was prem & IUGR). For the 1st year of his life we took him to "weigh day" every week without fail, it was a great comfort to see him finally getting on the centile charts and then climbing up them. We're both back at work, so HV haven't seen him for nearly a year, so we're excited to show off how well he's come on tbh.
I suppose it all depends on what the HV are like in your area - I'm lucky, mine are brilliant.

[IceBeing]

Id aim for napping....DD was napping when the HV arrived....

[jacks365]

She also did height and weight but my dd refused to stand up straight for the height so we just got as close as we could before she dropped onto her bottom again. I know she's growing cos she can't walk under the breakfast bar any more.

[jacks365]

Relax, be playing when she arrives so your ds is in that mood. If she's anything like mine she'll know how to engage him to get the best out of him. I was a nervous wreck too I think we all get that way.

[womblesofwestminster]

As an anxious person, this is quite stressful.

[musicismylife]

Wombles, you'll be fine

[musicismylife]

Hi, Op.

I can understand your frustration but I do think you should bite the bullet and see her.

Unfortunately, in a ss/hv/school capacity all parents are guilty until proven innocent. Therefore, you let him/her turn up.

[womblesofwestminster]

Satsuma lol!

What if my DS gets grumpy and shy (as he often does when faced with complete strangers - and she is a complete stranger. Never seen this HV before). How is he expected to perform in that state of mind? Genuine question.

[Sweatingthesmallstuff]

I can't believe you just blurted that out and spoiled the surprise


doh!!!!! What am I like

[Gruntfuttock]

"they now put you on a rack and stick red hot pokers under your finger nails!!"


I can't believe you just blurted that out and spoiled the surprise.

Tsk

[Sweatingthesmallstuff]

From memory, less than 30 mins.


Enjoy it...I found it huge fun. Especially when the HV pointed to a picture of an orange ball and asked DD what is was and she said 'Satsuma'.


This was brought up in the FoB speech at her wedding a few weeks ago. Honestly OP this is nothing to get angry about. Unless of course things have changed hugely since those days and they now put you on a rack and stick red hot pokers under your finger nails!!

[jacks365]

Not that long probably no more than 15 mins. I was surprised how quickly it was done but my dd was in a very agreeable and wanting to be involved mood.

[womblesofwestminster]

How long did it take?

[jacks365]

My hv showed a picture book to get my dd to name pictures just to check speach, few blocks to build a tower, threading spools on a string and using a pencil to make marks. Apart from that just a quick chat to check I'm happy with everything. Quick simple and easy.

[womblesofwestminster]

Ok, so the appointment is at 1pm today. What can I expect from this uber, uber important 'check'?

[kitchensinkmum]

YANBU . If you don't want it DONT have it. It's your choice . Just say no thank you.
I have a friend who won't see health visitors , her child has had no vaccinations and is vegan.
She phoned her GP and said she didn't want a health visitor to contact her. GP said it was her choice . It didn't flag anything suspicious at all.

[GiveMummyTheWhizzer]

The turn in DS eye was picked up at his 2 yr check (and handled brilliantly BTW). DP and I weren't concerned about it as couldn't see how bad it actually was (PFB).

It only takes 10 mins. YABU.

[Lillily]

MiscellaneousAssortment You are absolutely right in all your thinking .

[SuburbanRhonda]

K8, I think thegin meant that the red book explains what the OP seems to be confused about, i.e. the reason for the visit.

And isn't Chairman Mao dead, unlike the NHS, though Jeremy Hunt seems to be trying his best to remedy that

[K8Middleton]

YABU, it's a 2 year assessment as stated will happen in your red book-it really is that simple...

I think you have your little red books confused. The child health record is issued by NHS... not Chairman Mao.

[FutTheShuckUp]

Miscellaneous it's already been done. Read a call to action, 2011 and the Healthy Child Programme 2009

[SuburbanRhonda]

Yes, I agree with you there, miscellaneous. I work with HVs, school, nurses, SWs and the like and believe me, it's not just HVs who are confused about their role.

Wishing your DS a speedy recovery

whattime, couldn't have put it better myself, and boy, have I been trying!