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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Health Visitor - before baby is born?

13 replies

happygojo · 12/05/2015 08:42

Hi everyone, I have had a letter through saying that my HV wants to visit me when I am 30 weeks. I have no idea what to expect but my worst fears are her walking around the house and ummming to herself and writing things in a notebook and judging me. In my rational head I have nothing to worry about, my house was bought with the intention to be a family home. However I know I will get really stressed about it. At least after the baby is born you can focus on the baby. Anyway.... can anyone let me know what to expect? From what I understand it is quite a new thing

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

FannyFifer · 12/05/2015 08:46

She will just want to introduce herself before you have the baby, she won't be interested in nosing round your house.
There is absolutely no reason to be worried.

ShoeJunkie · 12/05/2015 08:46

Mine wanted to give me info on postnatal depression, safe sleeping/SIDS, local baby groups and when the weighing clinics were etc.
I met mine at the local hospital (where their offices are) as we were in the midst of building work!)

yellowsnownoteatwillyou · 12/05/2015 08:47

They come round to see where your house is to find it after the baby, check if you have pets they should know about that may effect their visits, and they ask if you are experiencing domestic violence.

They don't walk about your house wiping fingers on surfaces looking for dust, or question your living choices.

Well the one I got didn't.

I only found out about the domestic violence question as dh was there at the home visit as he was backshift. So I was asked at a late scan appointment, who confirmed why they come round at 30 weeks.

Allstoppedup · 12/05/2015 08:54

I found it quite nice to meet my HV before I had the baby and was caught in post birth, hormonal, sleep deprived fug!

She came in, had a chat, gave me some info on any antenatal classes I might want to attend, asked if I had any questions and advised about ante/post natal depression. She asked general getting to know you questions and certainly didn't overstate or anything. It's just really a formality to get to know you and them so when they visit post baby it's a familiar face, pass over some literature and make sure they know your address.

If she was judging I certainly didn't get that impression so I wouldn't worry at all.

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Archer26 · 12/05/2015 08:58

I had the same panic when my appointment was made. I cleaned like mad the day she came, even bleached the upstairs loo in case she went up there!
In the end she sat on my sofa and chatted to me about breastfeeding, co sleeping, domestic violence etc. she didn't even go in any of the other rooms (waste of cleaning product!).

Baby is 3 weeks old today and a different health visitor has been since birth to fill in forms and to cover a lot if the same ground. Though I did again go cleaning crazy just in case- pointless!

Archer26 · 12/05/2015 08:58

Oh and congratulations OP

Stinkylinky · 12/05/2015 09:11

My HV is making her first visit tomorrow. Timing couldn't have been worse, I was bitten by my dog quite badly last night and we are all very upset as we are going to have to get him PTS (he has a history of biting and behavioural problems) Don't know weather to mention this to her or not?

FannyFifer · 12/05/2015 09:46

I prob wouldn't mention the dog.
When are you getting it PTS? :(

Stinkylinky · 12/05/2015 09:50

Next week I think, it's all very raw at the minute. It's not an easy decision to come to as he is like my baby. We just want a bit of time to say goodbye and make sure that we are doing the right thing

CurlsLDN · 12/05/2015 09:50

I think everyone has this panic, but as pj's have explained they are not there to investigate you, just to give you infoformation. Better that you get the panic out the way now, tHan when they come round the day after baby is born. Hopefully then you won't feel the need to go cleaning mad etc when youve just given birth!

CurlsLDN · 12/05/2015 09:51

Um, I meant pp's, not pj's!

Original poster

happygojo · 12/05/2015 10:08

Thanks for all the advice and reassurance, I know you are all right After the baby is born my mum will be here, and she shows her love through cooking and cleaning so that part is covered.

Stinkylink Sorry you are going through this. Is there anyway to get him rehomed? like with someone with experience with dogs with 'issues'? I don't really know about stuff like this and I am sure you have tried everything. It will be hard but I am sure you are making the right decision. You can't have an unpredictable pet around a newborn, especially one that bites. Big hugs!

Oh and don't mention it unless she asks

OP posts:

Stinkylinky · 12/05/2015 11:41

happy I've contacted a few people who specialise in his breed so I'll see what they say. The normal rehoming route wouldn't work as they can't take in a dog who has a history of biting as it would take so much work to try to change his behaviour (which might not even work) so the likelihood would be that he would never leave kennels and that breaks my heart.

Thanks for the support, good luck with your pregnancy x

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