Health Visitor coming to visit us at home tomorrow...

[McDreamy]

......why do I feel so defensive already?

We have just moved house and for the first time we are in our own home away from the military (DH is commuting). This also means for the first time we have registered with a civilian practice. I received a letter a few days ago from the HV saying she has made an appointment to come and visit me as I have a child under 5. (DD is 1 in 2 weeks). Is this normal practice? Why is she coming? Apart from the midwife after giving birth I have never had a HP come and visit me at home.

SOunds a bit nanny state to me, but not really surprising. Be sure to tell her DH plays with loaded guns.

Seriously, I do remember the health visitor popping in to be of "help" with my small children. I just smiled, nodded, and sent her on her way.

I've never met a HV who knew something I didn't. So can't say I really have a use for one. If I had a medical need, I'd be at the GP.

I guess some people find the service of HVs useful, but I just felt like I was wasting NHS money.

Bump

Maybe it's just to introduce herself and let me know what's available in my area? At least that's what DH thinks.

when we moved to this area the PHN (HV equivalant) popped round to say hi and get the kids details so they'd be on the books for their yearly checks.

it was handy as she was able to recommend a gp and referred us to a local dietician as dd had been under dietician care where we lived before.

I think it could be whta your DH says, just to let you lnwo what is on.

Well that sounds fine and I need to learn not to be so suspicious It will be handy if that's the case as the DC's need referring to a opthalmologist and DS needs his egg allergy testing. I'm sure she'll point me in the right direction.

Yes we moved here when dd was 9 months and the hv arranged to pop in. Wanted to tell me about things available in the area, make sure I had all the numbers, addresses etc I needed, doctor all sorted and to offer any help that I needed.

Nowt scary, just a cup of tea and a chat really.

They usually do a 'moving in visit'. nice to put a face to the name for both of you, find out where any clinics, groups etc are.
And to help you get sotred with any refferals you might need like you say.

we have moved 3 times with under 5 and it's normal practice, don't panic!
Hopefully they will be able to tell you about all sorts of toddler groups etc that you might be missing.
It's a good thing, not every parent they see might cherish their child as much as you!

tis just to get to meet you, introduce herself, let you know about the area, playgroups, schools etc, and so that when the time comes they get the right details for jab call-ups etc.

HV (good ones that is) can be an absolute godsend when you are new to the area and have yet to make friends. they can point you to the best playgroups to meet your needs and also find friends for yourself as well as your children.