9 month development appointment

[MB34]

I've received a letter today about this and it says that the hv will come to my house.

Is this normal for them to come to the house for this? I'm not sure how I feel about it tbh. I haven't seen a hv at my house since about 4/6 weeks and in the surgery since about 13 weeks. Plus the signature on the letter isn't the hv I saw all that time ago.

Do you think I could call to ask to go to the surgery instead or would I look like I've got something to hide?

Save yourself a journey, let them come to you.

My Hv wanted to come to the house I think because babies tend to be more relaxed in their own environment and to look at whether you've thought about baby proofing etc.

Yes quite normal - they can see them interact with their own toys and much of the assessment can be done by purely watching their play when relaxed. That reminds me though - dd2 is 10mo and she hasn't had hers! My local GP never chased up ds1 for his check ups either, they aren't very on the ball like that. Thanks for the reminder!

Decide what you want to do and do it.
The checkups are not compulsory - you can even say you don't want a check up at all.
If you want to do it at the surgery then just contact them and ask them to reschedule it there.

Dd has never ever seen an HV. It's not something you have to do so don't worry about it. They are not trying to catch you out.

I think they're doing home visits because its easier on you, your baby and them.

You don't have to travel, your baby will be more relaxed in her own house with her toys, and the HV doesn't need to set up a surgery room, provide toys, provide changing facilities, dispose of nappies etc.

If you'd rather do it at the surgery, ask if that's possible. If you don't want it at all, decline their offer :)

It's up to you, though I'd have taken this option as it's less hassle! But remember you don't have to do the checks at all.