Antenatal Health Visitor - home appointment - early September

[ShootingStar71]

Can someone help me please regarding health visitors? I've received a letter today advising that one would like to visit my home in early September (baby due early October & I'm in the West Sussex area). The letter implies that this is normal procedure however I'm not so sure - it mentions in my notes that I will receive 'targeted pn care' as I've a history of mild anxiety which made me worry even more. Is anyone able to tell me if this is normal procedure for every new ftm I this area (or others) & what I can expect from this visit please? I'm slightly nervous having googled & seen some of the things that they seem to ask...does this sound silly? Not sure why I'm so concerned, our house is always spotless (despite our gorgeous black labrador puppy & two mogs). OH is doing a great job trying to reassure me that this is normal procedure. Any advice/thoughts would be most gratefully received. Thank you

Mcdog I appreciate threads like this must be frustrating reading for you, and I hope nothing comes across as personal. You seem lovely :)

For me, it is not about being caught out. I have no worries in that regard - I take advice seriously, I read a lot, my house is not a show home but perfectly presentable.

It's more about the oddness of having HCP in your home. When I want medical advice, I proactively make an appt with my GP and see her in an appropriate clinical setting. I don't really want her, or my consultant, or the practice nurse, coming to my home and having to treat them like a guest. It's just invasive and blurring of boundaries - for me. I will only take a few months' mat leave, and I so hope my HV isn't one of those who pops in with no appt, as I'd never feel safe in my own house. Just like some people hate cold callers or their MILs popping round unannounced, it feels the same to me.

Wow - i had no idea HV's did ante-natal appointments, and i'm not sure if it's helpful. Surely the midwife/scans/GP/consultant appointments is enough to be getting on with, especially if your working and it's very awkward to take time off even for the essentials. I don't see how adding extra appointments to build a relationship or just in case it might help to prevent PND to a random 50% of pregnant women is well, it just doesn't seem all that well thought out to me. My HV had no confidence and was as much use as a chocolate teapot, and totally at odds with the GP's in my local practice.

RP - in my experience the at home visits only happened a couple of times early on, it's far easier for them to refer you to a monthly weigh-in clinic.

Hi ShootingStar,

I'm also in West Sussex, due to give birth in 3 weeks in the princess royal, and I haven't received any letter about seeing anyone, but if I do I'll let you know :) xx

They aren't frustrating really, I know I do a good job, it's just my job isn't really working with the average mumsnet mum :) I completely understand why parents become disheartened with a service that doesn't meet the perceived needs. The answer is either more HV's or less child protection!!