what are your views on health visitors

[honeydew]

I have a pretty poor view of health visitors and wondering what others think. The two I've had have both been absolutely useless! They never followed up after the initial visits to my home directly after the birth of each of my children. They don't seem ever be easily available or provide any good advice that you couldn't get from family, friends, a doctor, health/parenting book or the internet. My health visitor last week phoned my husband's mobile twice and left a message she was "desperate" to contact me so that I could arrange for my baby to have her 12 month check. This was the first time I'd heard from her in a year! As an experienced mother, I just have the impression now that health visitors are there simply to check up on you! Does anyone else feel the same way or have you had more positive experiences?

Mine was wonderful, a blessing. Any stand ins were totally disinterested but I'd hate for all the wonderful ones to be tarred with the same brush.

have had 9 in 4 years. someone let slip apparently my old flat (city centre) was in a vulnerable caseload that noone wanted - nice. 3 were downright awful, most were middling, one was good, most recent one who unfortunately was doing sickness cover was brill - very empathetic, and actually seemed to give a toss about what I felt `DS needed educationwise (mild SN). So despite my ropey experiences there are some very good dedicated ones out there.