To wonder where all these health visitors are?

[ParsleyTheLion1]

Often, on MN, people suggest talking to 'your HV' (if you're worried about something, say). But where are these fabled HVs? I saw one a couple of times after DS (now 16mo) born but nothing since. I have no idea where they hang out once you don't have a newborn or how you would even go about finding one should you need to....

Just popping on to say my health visitor was brilliant - I had bad pnd after ds1 and she was a fantastic source of support. After ds2 I barely saw her other than scheduled development checks as I was fine. I'm now on dc3 and have a different HV who is also very good - she sorted out a hearing test for ds1 and speech assessment for ds2 as well as keeping an eye on me, as I've been a bit pnd-ish this time too.

I'm a nurse and honestly thinking of training as a HV in the future because of how supportive they have been - I'd like to pay it forward! They have a huge caseload and out of necessity concentrate on families that have the greatest need (other than early newborn visits).

GP surgery should be able to tell you how to contact your HV if number not in the front of your red book. All babies should get 1 year & 2 year developmental reviews offered. They aren't compulsory of course.

None around here, not when I had DC2 anywhere. 2 year check was a form sent to me in the post. I said I had concerns (speech and language delay due to deafness). Nothing happened. Useful!

I went to my GP instead who was great.

Mine is very helpful and has to visit quite often due to my daughter dropping down the Centiles for weight, she is reassuring and kind. I can also go to get my daughter weighed at 2 different childrens centres local to me but my HV choses to come to my house instead. I feel lucky that she is there when I need her but also wish my daughter didn't need her involvement

I saw mine twice when DS was 5 months and 9 months but nothing since (now 2yrs) I guess they are so busy with new mums. Have no idea how he's doing weight wise etc, but he's healthy and happy so I'm not too bothered.

When ds(12) was born midwife came daily the first week we got home (we were in hospital for 5 days due to ends under GA and ds being in SCBU). Doctors also came for two home visits from doctor to ensure I was ok and to prescribe pain relief, I guess the midwife asked him to visit the second time.

HV came weekly after that for 6 weeks until bf was established. I found it difficult at first but she helped a lot by tilting her head and telling me it would get better . Never once asked to see me feed to see if she could help or offer any other advice.

We just had a HV visit for DD2. She was running through all the checks we should have with her and said "but you'll have done these with DD1". To which I replied, nope, didn't get the 8mo check, the 2yo check, haven't actually seen anyone since she was 20 weeks. To be fair she looked at DD1 who had been busily chatting away interrupting and playing and asked if I had any concerns because she didn't! I said I knew where to find them.

TBH, as I didn't have concerns and considering how busy they are it didn't seem to make sense to take up their time.

I saw a HV once with DS1 and 2, at some point early on after MW signed us off. I think they make a judgement on that first visit whether you present a concern or not. I did baby clinic once or twice with DS1 and not at all with DS2, and their 'development checks' were a postal questionnaire asking if I had concerns.
However, DD has a condition which affects her development and her diagnosis at 8 months old was pretty devastating, and my HV has been great - very supportive initially, and has kept in touch regularly since. She has much more time than the paediatrician to do ASQ development checks and also comes to our home so sees DD at her most confident and settled. She's hit just the right balance between concerned/ supportive without being interfering. There are good ones out there! I think they are mainly just spread too thinly - they have to concentrate resources on families/children in trouble.