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Original poster

Why do health visitors do antenatal visits?

17 replies

Anonandon · 08/12/2005 21:22

I'm expecting my 4th child and have just received a letter telling me the date of the appointment at my home. She did a AN visit during my last pregnancy 3 years ago but I can't remember why! Professionally she is fine but personally I find her patronising so I'd rather have as little to do with her as possible. Without being big-headed I would hope I know what I'm doing by now (eldest is 10).Nothing has changed in the last 3 years so its not as if she needs to introduce herself.TIA

OP posts:
PruniStuffing · 08/12/2005 21:23

Don't know - never had this.
To see if you're feeling all right and if there's anything she can help you with?
(Trying to look on the positive side...)

hornbag · 08/12/2005 21:26

Never had this either. It seems to be the norm here for HV to take over 10 days after the baby is born when MW visits stop

SnowQueenVictoria · 08/12/2005 21:28

Ours dont do antenatal checks but i kind of thought that myself. Didnt need a HV first time round, certainly didnt think i would need help a second time around.

How wrong was i? VERY

This time round had thrush in both breasts and my HV was a wealth of information, gave practical help and advice. Offered to sort prescription etc for me, visit me at home to save me dragging my two to clinic etc.

And have just been diagnosed with PND and again she has been fab. Dont home visits knowing i dont like to go out at the mo etc etc.

acnebride · 08/12/2005 21:29

? just possibly something to do with raised profile of antenatal depression in recent months?

Haven't heard anything about this myself but then am not pg

wewishyouamerryKITTYmas · 08/12/2005 21:29

HV phoned me up virtually demanding she come visit that day as she was extremely busy!!! I had visitors and I never got to say goodbye to them properly as she was there at the time. She did a hearing test thing on DD as well. My opinion of why they visit:

  • to fill out your magic red book
  • to undermine all attempts at breastfeeding by suggesting you use some formula (surprised they aren't telling you to try baby rice)
  • to make you feel like a clueless 16 year old
Original poster
Anonandon · 08/12/2005 21:30

Maybe its just something our practice does.It's a bit naughty of me but we've moved house and the letter has been forwarded on so I'm tempted to deny all knowledge of receiving it! That's why I asked the question on here and not the HV directly.

OP posts:
maZebraltov · 08/12/2005 21:31

I think it's part of their general role as "community" nurse, now.

santabops · 08/12/2005 21:31

seemed to be checking out how 'child friendly' my house was when I had a visit from one.

Original poster
Anonandon · 08/12/2005 21:33

When I mentioned last time that I was thinking about stopping B/F at 8wks I got the third degree and "are we letting you down in any way"

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Original poster
Anonandon · 08/12/2005 21:35

I'm not claiming to be a perfect parent but I could understand it if it was my first/new partner/new to the area etc. and of course now I have mumsnet......

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merrymarchhare · 08/12/2005 21:41

Ive just called to make an appointment for a 2year check for DS and they want to come to the house too. As it goes, my HV is v nice and Im not overly bothered. I assume though, that its so they can assess the environment that the child is growing up in whilst giving you the opportunity to discuss anything that you may not otherwise do at baby clinic. Should we be grateful that the resources are there? Bloody nosey all the same .

Original poster
Anonandon · 08/12/2005 21:49

Good point about the resources.I am very lucky that I just find myself saying no when they ask if I have any concerns.Of course things may be different this time but I'm also very fortunate that I have family nearby & they're supportive too.

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morningpaper · 08/12/2005 21:51

My HV antenatal visit was just to reassure me that I should DEFINITELY keep my baby WELL AWAY from the HV clinics. Depressing waste of resources if you ask me.

Original poster
Anonandon · 08/12/2005 21:54

Morningpaper that's just how I feel

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merrymarchhare · 08/12/2005 22:15

They are invaluable for some though. Do you have to take your child along to the clinics/have these milestone checks? What happens if you dont?

SnowQueenVictoria · 08/12/2005 22:45

My HV & clinic is great. Clearly some HV's are not so great. A necessary evil though i believe. There are lots of people out there who are very good at turning up to clinics and saying everything is fine thanks and yet home life is much less than desirable for them and the children. HV's, i believe, are the intermediaries for Social Services arent they?

GingerBearingGifts · 08/12/2005 22:54

My HV was lovely. Never had any post-natal issues though and felt it was a bit of a waste of time. Especially as I had devoured every PG/baby bible on the Amazon Booklist, and had found mumsnet by them.
To be honest it was nice to speak to an adult in those early weeks, and feel there was someone there looking out for you.

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