First visit from health visitor tomorrow

[Chocolatecakefan]

The health visitor is coming to see me tomorrow - any ideas what to expect? The baby isn't due until the end of April so have absolutely no idea why she is coming so early?!

I had a visit last week, which was week 39. She was just introducing herself, talking through when/ why she will come in the newborn days and about which checkups she will do and which will be done at GPs. she was also asking about things like support networks (do I have friends and fam nearby, etc) and sussing out if I knew about local baby groups etc. Not sure if this is the same in all areas or not. I think it took about 20 mins.

Just as RedSal says. Remember that you do not have to take any or all of the advice given. Engaging with the HV is entirely up to you as it's not compulsory.

It just seems such a ridiculously early time to come and see me at 30 weeks. I'm having a straightforward pregnancy, so no issues whatsoever and I'm going to forget everything she says by the time the baby arrives!

The HV is just ticking the boxes - you can cancel if you aren't sure about the appointment.

I had this last week - she spent about half an hour finding out about history, social circumstances etc, told me about local baby groups and breast feeding support and explained about the health visiting service. Was all fairly routine I think nothing to worry about. Although as others have said you aren't under any obligation to see them if you don't want to.

I think HVs now have target % of families to visit before their baby arrives.

We got a complete grilling-everything from all the stuff mentioned above to a ton of information/invasive questioning on domestic abuse, financing a family, pnd, baby proofing etc etc. but I think my hv is a bit much really. I am practicing 'smile and nod, smile and nod, smile and nod' for our imminent 1 year review.

Does everyone get a health visitor? I'm only 15w and a bit and this is the first time I hear of it.
Should I expect a visit later on too?

YY to the grilling. Domestic violence, child protection, income, family, your support network, your partners job, your dog etc etc. Very intrusive IMO. I refused any involvement.

I didn't get a grilling when our HV turned up. Maybe because it's our second child. She did catch me on a bad day and kept thanking me for being honest and open about feeling down. She's coming back next week and I think I may be a disappointment to her as I am fine now.

Skinnylegs Everyone gets a health visitor but you won't hear from them just yet.

I liked what they do in my area. We were invited to an extra antenatal class run by HVs who talked us through their role, local baby groups and opened up to questions which led to various discussions about safety, feeding, sleeping etc. Felt quite informative but informal. I don't know if they'd personally chase up anyone who didn't go.

I made my HV appointment for when I was on mat leave, didn't want to take more time off work for something that could wait. Glad I did as HV didn't turn up on the day as she was off long term sick & they forgot to tell me! I then waited until DS was born, it was a little bit intrusive but the HV said it would be & apologised for it before hand.

Just for balance my health visitor has been amazing since having ds 7 months ago - supported me through all sorts of concerns when I was on the verge if pnd breakdown . So just go in to the meeting feeling positive and see what she is like!

I didn't meet the health visitor with my first until he was 2 weeks old. And then never saw her again. Where I live there are just optional baby health visitor clinics to take your kids to.

I didn't see my HV until after the birth. They take over at 10 days from the midwife. She was lovely, very supportive.