Health Visiting Service

Description

Who are we?

Health visitors are nurses or midwives with specialist training in family and public health. We help parents and their families to improve health and wellbeing during pregnancy, after the birth and all the way through until your child is five.

Who do we work with?

We work as part of a wider health team which includes nursery nurses, GPs, midwives, paediatricians, psychologists, speech therapists and other health professionals. We also work closely with Children’s Centre staff, family support workers, and Children’s Social Care.

Where will you see us?

You will meet us in your home or in local Well Baby Clinics, your GP’s surgery, Children’s Centre or in an Early Years setting. We offer you and your child five health and developmental appointments as part of the Department of Health “Healthy Child Programme”. We are here to help, listen, understand your needs and work in partnership with you to give your family the best start.

When will we see you?

• Pregnancy – after 28 weeks you will be contacted by our team

• 10 – 14 days after the birth of your baby

• 6 to 8 weeks

• 8 to 12 months

• 27 months.

What we offer...

Drop-in Well Baby Clinics (you can attend without an appointment)

Scheduled appointments

We can talk about the following for you and your family:

• breastfeeding
• milk and food for babies, toddlers
• and older children
• sleep
• understanding crying
• managing childhood illnesses
• your child’s development
• your wellbeing as parents
• understanding your child’s behaviour
• play and stimulation
• talking to your baby and child

Extra support when you need it...

Our service is for the whole family. We know that being a parent or carer can be very hard; particularly if you are feeling low, anxious, or that you cannot cope.

Your health visitor can give you support and provide advice on:

• your and your family’s emotional health and wellbeing

• any additional health and developmental needs your baby or child might have

• developing a relationship with your baby

• domestic abuse

• drug and alcohol problems

• changes in your family life.

If you are worried about your child's or family’s safety you can ask us for help.

We work together with local services and parents to provide support, including safeguarding our local families and children.