HV bedroom inspection

[GothAnneGeddes]

When dd was six weeks old, the HV came round.

Amongst the usual waffle pearls of wisdom, she said that there had been three cases of SIDS in the area recently so she asked me to show where dd sleeps. I asked her about the cases and she said that they'd happened when the parents had fallen asleep in bed with the baby*

I took her up to see the Moses basket next to my bed and she went away satisfied, but I couldn't help but feel this was a little odd. If the sleeping conditions hadn't met wit her approval, what could she have done anyway? What if I was co sleeping? Plus it's really rather nosy.

Has anyone else's HV done this?

*As opposed to actively co sleeping.

My midwife looked after us until 6 weeks post partum. She did check where ds slept and that we were putting him on his back. She did preface it with "I know you will be doing it all right - but part of my job is to check and I would never sleep at night if I hadn't."

Bloody hell! I never look at bedrooms unless invited (although I LOVE seeing the beautiful baby rooms parents have decorated). I always talk about SIDS and the current guidelines but don't ask to see bedrooms. My feeling is that if there have been 3 recent SIDS cases in the area then all HCPs visiting new babies are under pressure to hammer home the point about bed-sharing (as opposed to actively co-sleeping). She could have just explained that though and she didn't need to see the sleeping arrangements.
I agree - it's nosy and unnecessary.

I would have told her to, erm, mind her own business

As Jollypirate says she could have made the point perfectly well without sticky beaking, in fact, just mentioning that there had been 3 cases would have got most people's ears pricked.

My HV asked about things like falling asleep, lying on back, feet to foot etc but she did it without overstepping that particular boundry!

In answer to your question though op, I suppose she could discuss things with SS if she was concerned. I am not sure what they would do about something like inadequate sleeping arrangements (in a MP opinion) though!

None of my midwives or hv's ever asked to see where baby was sleeping, just the usual chat about how to put baby to sleep safely.
Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the difference between active co sleeping and bed sharing??
I am getting a bit worried about my approach now!

Active co-sleeping is planned (as opposed to unplanned) and although the FSID do not advise co-sleeping I think it's something which a sizable number of parents do (I did as well).
There are several things to be aware of and co-sleeping should be avoided if they are a factor. It's not advised if either parent is a smoker for example.

There was a thread about someone being inspected a while ago. I was shocked to read it. The myhv phoned and said that the new rules said theyhad to visit beforehand. This is my 4th though and I know her well so she just dropped off some info. I'm wondering if she was supposed ti inspect me too.

Still not sure what difference it makes if its planned or unplanned (smoking etc aside)

Just had a look at the FSID website. This is the only thing they say about co-sleeping:

'It's especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed:
if you (or your partner):
are a smoker (even if you never smoke in bed or at home)
have been drinking alcohol
take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
feel very tired
or if your baby
was premature (born before 37 weeks)
was low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5 1/2 lb).

Nothing about it being dangerous without these factors. I think they are being deliberately vague on that issue.

I have never had a hv ask to view any room in my house but the living room where she sat and had a cup of tea. I wouldn't have a problem giving the hv a guided tour of my house, but would be a bit of why they'd want or need to see anything.

sorry should be

'It's especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed if you (or your partner):

are a smoker (even if you never smoke in bed or at home)
have been drinking alcohol
take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
feel very tired
or if your baby
was premature (born before 37 weeks)
was low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5 1/2 lb).'

The difference between planned and unplanned is presumably the planned choosing to put the baby safely next to you, appropriately dressed and covers out of reach versus the unplanned falling asleep accidentally with your baby in your arms/next to you without taking necessary precautions.

When I had DD I refused ( very politely) all HV visits so it was never an issue.