Why do health visitors come to your house

First time back in she just asked a lot of questions about us, family support, health, money situation. Then how I planned to feed baby. Gave us a quiz on safe sleeping. Told us where clinics and groups were. Then she announced how she has a right to inspect our home as it's been unearthed in our area that people were locking kids in rooms, she claimed she would even check our fridge if she felt the need to ensure there was enough for baby..

So i said well look now if you want but nothing is sorted. So she looked round telling me i need to move furniture as she wasnt happy i had enough of a walkway from my side of bedroom. Every visit once DD was here she never left the living room. So because of her initial meeting i just didnt like her. But that's just my experience i know this will vary greatly. Sorry didn't mean to offend.

The ones I've come across sadly most certainly have not been. One of my good friends is a HV and agrees with my view on the ones in our local area who are obnoxious, unhelpful and push their own agendas which go against NHS guidelines.

I agree they are needed for child protection but I do think more regular training on upto date medical knowledge which should be followed is needed. This allows you to try out some of the activities covered by the questionnaire with your baby at home, where they are comfortable and in familiar surroundings. Your baby will usually have reviews at the ages we talk about on this page. If you have any concerns at other times, you can contact a health visitor or GP, or go to your local baby clinic.

Your baby will be weighed at birth and again during their first week. They will also have a thorough physical examination within 72 hours of being born. A health professional will usually check your baby's eyes, heart, hips and — for baby boys — testicles. Read more about the newborn physical examination. At 5 and 8 days old your baby will have a blood spot heel prick test that screens for several rare diseases, including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. This is usually done by the midwife.

Find out more about the newborn blood spot heel prick test. Your baby will also have a hearing test soon after birth. If you have your baby in hospital, this may happen before you leave. Otherwise, it will be done some time in the first few weeks in your home, at an outpatient clinic, or at your local health centre. Find out more about the newborn hearing test.

A midwife and health visitor will also support you with breastfeeding, caring for your new baby, adjusting to life as a new parent.

Your baby's eyes, heart, hips and — for boys — testicles will be checked. They'll also have their weight, length and head circumference measured. A GP or health visitor will discuss your baby's vaccinations with you. These are offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 12 months old, and before your child starts school. In addition, the first visit is invaluable for developing close links between health visitors and community midwives. A recent example of this was when I visited an expectant mum whose baby was small for her dates and there were suspected health problems.

This gave me the opportunity to contact mum early to congratulate her and arrange the second key visit at days. I had pregnancy fears but also felt very hormonal with regards to family life and the prospect of a new baby in the home. When Diane came to see me…the meeting was fantastic as Diane picked up on me feeling low and prompted me to speak about how I was feeling.

This in itself was wonderful as I opened up and confided in her. In return, Diane gave me postive advice and also gave me stress relief exercises. The meeting came at the right time and helped me in so many ways. Contact us Search. About us Log in Covid Toggle navigation.

Our work Our Work. Health Visitors. News and Views. Support us. The benefits of health visitors carrying out the new first key visit at 28 weeks pregnancy. Feedback from families Of course, there has been some anticipation when the antenatal visit was first introduced earlier this year. Strong links with midwives In addition, the first visit is invaluable for developing close links between health visitors and community midwives.

Charities call for investment in health visiting.