Health visitor at 35 weeks - what to expect

[Rollermum]

I'm 35 weeks with second DC (DD is 2). Unlike last time when I saw HV at their offices, they now do house visits in my area.

Anyone know what I can expect? I have heard it is to see where the baby will sleep - which if anything like my DD will be cosleeping, though I've also hired a Bednest to give us options, which won't be here for a while.

I'm a little nervous because I had quite a few visits after DD born as I had PTSD after a rough birth. Unfortunately the HV coming is not the one from before who was generally great. I feel a bit like I'm about to be inspected.

I'm not sure I got an antenatal visit with dc2. I did with DC1. It was all fairly innocuous - a few health type questions about me, a few income Qs to see if we were eligible for any benefits. She gave me info about baby clinic, local groups etc. definitely didn't look around the house.

All that happened in mine was I was given a crap load of leaflets and I was told some of the changes in 'the rules' since having DD. They asked about any local support we had and any issues we had last time.

There was no looking round the house, if you say you're cosleeping they should respect that and will just check you know how to do it safely. I found it a lovely, positive visit.

I had my HV come about 2 weeks ago. I was worried that she'd find something wrong that my house wasn't good enough for her and all that. it turns out all it is, is introducing herself explaining why I have one what she'll be doing and all that. she told me if I'm going to breastfeed (which I am) how to do it and to talk to her if I have any problems. she did warn me if I have to take my LO to A&E and I get a phone call off her not to think SS will be involved she's just making sure we're fine. she never looked round my house but my DP asked her about our moses basket just to make sure. so try not to worry it's not a bad thing.

Thanks all, very reassuring! I guess I can get away with not ironing the curtains etc

Omg. HV's do visits? When did this start?

I never had a visit from HV until I was signed off from the midwife. Even then she was as much help as a chocolate tea pot so I'm a bit meh when it comes to HV?

Off to dust every nook and cranny

I don't recall having a HV come over before the birth of my LO.

One definitely turned up in the first few weeks or so but can't recall exactly when.

They came back a couple more times and that was it!

Mine didn't look at the baby's room, though some do. Basically a load of leaflets, contact details, local info, asking how I've prepared, etc and asked demographic questions for their stats. It's mainly just a getting to know them pre-birth meeting. If you have any issues, or need more info, they arrange that from this meeting.