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Your First Health Visitor: What Parents Should Know

When a health visitor comes to your home after having a baby, it is typically a part of postnatal care designed to support both you and your newborn during the crucial early weeks and months of parenthood. Here’s what you can generally expect during a visit from a health visitor:

1. Introduction and Establishing Rapport

The health visitor will start by introducing themselves and explaining their role. Establishing a comfortable and trusting relationship is a key aspect of their visit. They are there to offer support, guidance, and answer any questions you may have.

2. Health and Well-being Assessment

A significant part of the health visitor’s role is to monitor the health and well-being of both you and your baby. They will inquire about your recovery from childbirth, any concerns or issues you might be facing, and assess your emotional well-being.

3. Baby’s Health Check:

The health visitor will conduct a thorough assessment of your baby’s health. This may include checking your baby’s weight, length, head circumference, and overall growth. They will also assess developmental milestones appropriate for your baby’s age.

4. Feeding Assessment and Support

If you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the health visitor will discuss feeding routines and assess the baby’s latch and feeding behaviour. They can offer guidance on common feeding challenges and provide resources or referrals to lactation consultants if needed.

5. Parenting and Bonding Support

The health visitor will discuss your experience as a new parent, addressing any concerns or challenges you may be facing. They can provide advice on creating a secure attachment with your baby, promoting bonding, and understanding your baby’s cues and needs.

6. Sleep and Routine Guidance

Sleep is a common topic of discussion during health visits. The health visitor may offer guidance on establishing healthy sleep routines for both you and your baby. They can provide tips on creating a safe sleep environment and managing sleep patterns.

7. Immunisations and Health Records

The health visitor will review your baby’s immunisation schedule and ensure that vaccinations are up-to-date. They will also discuss the importance of regular check-ups and maintaining health records.

8. Postnatal Depression and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is a crucial aspect of postnatal care. The health visitor will inquire about your emotional well-being, addressing any signs of postnatal depression or anxiety. They can provide support, resources, and referrals for further assistance if needed.

9. Family and Social Support

The health visitor may discuss the support network available to you, including family, friends, and community resources. They can provide information on local parenting groups and support services.

10. Future Appointments and Follow-up

The health visitor will discuss any future appointments or follow-up visits that may be needed. They will also provide contact information for any additional support or questions that may arise between visits.

In summary, a visit from a health visitor after having a baby is a holistic and supportive experience. It encompasses physical health checks for both you and your baby, guidance on feeding and routines, emotional well-being assessments, and assistance with building a strong foundation for your parenting journey. The health visitor is there to offer support, answer your questions, and ensure a positive start for you and your newborn.

Louise McCamily

Louise is a valuable contributor to our blog, with many years of experience in the parenting niche. She specialises in crafting well-researched articles on fertility, pregnancy, and baby care, often collaborating with experts. With a solid background in baby name research and guidance, she is dedicated to providing trustworthy and insightful content, making her an essential resource for parents navigating their journey.

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Health Visitor Checks - What to Know About Your Baby’s Reviews

Your baby will have regular health and development reviews during their early years. These are to make sure they stay healthy and are developing normally. The health visiting team, in close collaboration with your GP and local children’s centre, will usually conduct the reviews. During these appointments, you can discuss your child and family, ask questions, and receive help and information for the future. Read on to learn more about what a health visitor does and when they visit.

What Does a Health Visitor Do?

What is a health visitor and what do they do? Health visitors play a crucial role in the healthcare sector. They are registered nurses or midwives who have undergone additional training in community public health. Their work primarily centres around promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness, especially in children and families. During your baby’s reviews, your health visitor will discuss your baby’s progress and ask if you have any concerns. If your baby was born prematurely, their developmental age will be calculated from your original due date, not from the actual date they were born, until they are two years old. Your baby will be weighed regularly, but health professionals will want to avoid weighing them too often. This is because babies’ weight gain can vary from week to week. Leaving a few weeks between weigh-ins gives a clearer idea of their progress.

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The Role of a Health Visitor

Health visitors generally offer you support and expert advice during your pregnancy, and after your baby is born until they’re about two and a half years old. They provide guidance on many aspects like feeding, safety, and growth and development of your child. Here are some things your health visitor can help and advise you on:

Feeding advice. Your health visitor can provide advice on feeding your baby and their nutritional needs, helping you understand what foods to introduce at various stages of their development.

Immunisation guidance. They can guide you through the necessary immunisations your child needs, explaining their importance and the schedule to follow.

Sleep routines. Health visitors can offer insights into your baby’s sleep patterns and provide strategies to institute a consistent sleep routine and safe sleep for your baby, including bedtime routines and how to reduce SIDs (sudden infant death syndrome) .

Developmental milestones. They can also help you understand various developmental milestones for your baby and check their growth and development are on track.

Safety tips. Your health visitor can provide tips on how to childproof your home and ensure your baby’s safety.

Emotional support. They’re there to provide emotional support during the challenging times of early parenthood and can offer strategies for coping with stress and anxiety.

Detecting issues early. Health visitors can identify early signs of postpartum depression or developmental delays, ensuring prompt treatment or intervention.

Red Book: The Personal Child Health Record

Shortly before or after your baby is born, you'll be given a personal child health record (PCHR). This usually has a red cover and is often called the ‘red book’. It’s a handy way for you to keep track of your child's health and progress and can be shared with their health professionals. It's a good idea to take your baby’s red book with you every time you visit the baby clinic, your GP, or hospital. Your baby’s health professionals will use it to record your child’s weight and height, vaccinations, and other important health information.

When Do Health Visitors Visit?

Health visitors usually start their routine visits soon after the birth of a child. The frequency and timing of visits may vary depending on your family’s needs and circumstances, but they generally conduct an initial new birth visit within 10 to 14 days after birth. Further visits are planned around key developmental stages. Remember, they’re always there to offer advice and support whenever needed. The section below outlines the ages your baby will likely have their reviews from a health visitor and what to expect from the first and subsequent health visits.

Health Visitors Appointments and Schedule

Your baby will usually have reviews at the ages outlined below. If you have any concerns at other times, contact your health visitor or GP, or go to your local baby clinic. So, keep reading to discover what a health visitor does on their first visit and throughout your baby’s early years.

Shortly After Birth

After your baby is born, they will be weighed to determine their birth weight. During the first week after birth, another weight check will be conducted. Additionally, your baby will undergo a thorough physical examination within 72 hours of being born. During this examination, a medical professional will inspect your baby's eyes, heart, hips, and (if your baby is a boy) testes. At five to eight days your baby will have a blood spot (heel prick) test, which screens for several rare diseases, including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. The midwife usually does this. Your baby will have a hearing test soon after birth. If you have your baby in hospital, this may be done before you leave. Otherwise, it will be done some time in the first few weeks at the hearing centre in your local hospital.

One to Two Weeks

Your health visitor will carry out a new baby review with you and your partner within 10 to 14 days of their birth. They'll work with you on becoming parents and how to keep your baby safe and healthy. You and your partner will also be offered support with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding , depending on what option you’ve chosen.

Six to Eight Weeks

Your baby will have a thorough 6 to 8-week check, usually performed by your baby’s GP. Their eyes, heart, hips, and (for boys) testicles will be checked. They will also have their weight, length and head circumference measured. Your GP or health visitor will discuss your baby’s vaccinations with you. In the first year, these are offered at two, three and four months. The health visitor will also talk to you about your emotional well-being since the birth of your baby.

Nine Months to One Year

From nine months to one year, your baby should be offered another review looking at several baby development areas, including language and learning, safety, diet, and behaviour. This is usually done by the health visitor or a member of the health visiting team and is an opportunity for you and your partner to discuss any concerns you may have.

One to Three Years

At 13 months your baby will be offered their next set of vaccinations. At two to two-and-a-half, they will have another toddler health and development review. A nursery nurse or the health visitor usually does this. They'll encourage you to talk about your child's progress and will help you with any concerns, such as your little one’s eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and toothbrushing. Using the Smart Sleep Coach app by Pampers to track your baby’s naptime and nighttime sleeping can be a huge help when discussing your baby’s health and development with their health visitor. By taking a broad view of your baby’s sleep, you can understand and shape your baby’s sleep and give them the rest they need to keep growing and developing well.

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Benefits of the Health Visits

Health visits play a pivotal role in ensuring the all-round development of your baby. Based on the recommendations of experts, here are some of the benefits:

Early detection. Regular health visits can help in the early detection of any health issues or developmental delays in your baby, ensuring that your little one gets the care they need.

Growth and development monitoring. Health visitors monitor your baby’s growth and development, ensuring they’re meeting age-appropriate milestones and providing advice or support if there are any concerns.

Immunisation tracking. Health visitors ensure that your baby’s immunisations are up to date.

Nutritional advice. Through their expert advice, health visitors ensure your baby is receiving the appropriate nutrition for their developmental needs, promoting healthy growth and development for now and the future.

Parenting support and education: Health visits not only benefit the baby but also the parents. Health visitors provide vital education and support to help you understand your baby’s needs and how to take care of them.

Remember, regular health visits are an important part of giving your baby the best start in life, as well as helping you and your family, and supporting your mental health as a new parent. Don't hesitate to reach out to your health visitor if you have any questions or concerns.

How to Make the Most of the Health Visits

Ensuring you maximise the benefits of your child’s routine health checks may be helpful. Here are some tips:

Scheduling. If feasible, arrange the check-up when your child is likely to be well-fed and rested, and at a time when you aren’t under time pressure. Also, bear in mind how busy your child’s health visitor may be. The first appointment of the day, or one outside peak hours, may be easier.

Parental Presence. If you have a parenting partner, it may be beneficial if you can both attend the initial few visits to familiarise yourselves with the health visitor and receive consistent information about newborn care.

Maintain a Record. Your red book is the perfect place for you and your health visitor to keep a log of each health check for your baby and any other information you want to add, such as accidents or illnesses.

Dress Your Baby Appropriately. Dress your baby in clothes that are easy to remove and put back on. Your child may need to be partially undressed during the visit, and easy access may be required for vaccinations.

Pen Down Your Queries. Write down any questions you have beforehand and bring the list along so you don’t forget anything crucial. A prepared list also helps you concentrate on the responses rather than contemplating the next question.

FAQS AT A GLANCE

Are health visitor checks compulsory.

According to GOV.UK, health visitor checks are now mandatory, and you’ll be offered five health visits before your child reaches 2 and a half years old. Health visitor visits are designed to support and guide you in the early stages of parenthood, monitor your baby’s health and development, and identify any potential issues early. They are a valuable resource provided to ensure your baby's well-being.

What do health visitors check?

Health visitors carry out a variety of checks and observations. They monitor your baby’s growth and development, ensuring they are meeting age-appropriate milestones. They also track your baby’s immunisations, ensuring they are up-to-date and provide advice on feeding and nutrition. Health visitors can identify early signs of health issues or developmental delays, ensuring prompt treatment or intervention.

What age do health visitors see your baby?

Health visitors usually start their routine visits soon after the birth of a child. The frequency and timing of visits may vary depending on your family’s needs and circumstances, but they generally conduct an initial new birth visit within 10-14 days after birth. Further visits are planned around 6-8 weeks, 9-12 months, and 2-2 ½ years.

The Bottom Line

Health visitor checks are an invaluable resource for parents in the U.K., aiding in the optimal growth and development of your baby. They offer expert advice on nutrition, monitor your baby’s milestones, and keep immunisations on track, all while providing support and education to parents. These visits are highly recommended and play a crucial role in early parenthood. Embrace these visits as an opportunity to enhance your understanding of your little one’s needs and milestones. After all, each child is unique, and having professional guidance as you navigate the path of parenthood can be an immense reassurance. How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

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• GOV.UK. ‘Continuing The Mandation of The Universal 5 Health Visiting Checks.’
• NHS. ‘Health Visiting Appointments’.
• NHS. ‘Health Visiting Checks’.
• NHS. ‘Services and Support for Parents’.
• NHS. ‘Your Baby’s Health and Development Reviews’.
• Tommys. ‘What is a Health Visitor’.

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What does a health visitor do for me and my baby?

A professional helping hand can be great when you've just had a baby. Here's what to expect from your health visitor...

• Tara Breathnach
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Any new parent can probably remember that feeling of bringing your newborn back from the hospital and wondering how on EARTH you're going to manage to look after her. Quite frankly, whether you've read all the advice or none of it, you don't know whether you're coming or going once this little thing is in your care.

So the thought that a professional, in the form of a health visitor – who knows exactly what they're talking about – will be coming into your home to see how you're doing and help with any niggles, can be really reassuring.

But just what can you expect from your health visitor? And what happens if it doesn't go as well as you'd hoped, as some of our mums have found?

Who are health visitors and what are the visits for?

All health visitors are trained nurses or midwives who then take an extra year of training to become a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse or health visitor. They usually visit parents-to-be before the baby is born and soon afterwards to check in and see how the new family is doing.

Karen Stansfield, from the Institute of Health Visitors, told MFM their role is to "not to judge or inspect homes [of new parents] but instead to offer support and help to mothers and their partners and families."

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She adds that health visitors can offer support in a variety of ways and on several different topics including feeding, sleep, growth spurts, and your own emotional health.

"Importantly the health visitor is there not only for the baby but for parents and families," says Karen.

"We know that having a baby can be the most rewarding and exciting time but it can also be stressful in the beginning and that’s why health visitors can support answering any questions parents or families may have and provide reassurance."

Who gets a health visitor and how often do they visit?

EVERYONE is entitled to health visitor care, but the number of visits and amount of assistance you get can vary widely according to local NHS resources and your own family's needs.

Here at MFM HQ, a mum of twins said she'd had several 'developmental' visits when her kids were pre-school age, but another of our mums said she'd had just one visit, when her daughter was around 2 weeks old, and has never seen a health visitor since.

According to the Institute of Health Visitors, the support given varies from family to family as the needs of different parents and children vary so much – meaning the experience you get might differ radically from that of another new mum friend.

What can you expect?

When you first get a visit from your health visitor, you'll probably find it's a bit of a "checking in" exercise . You may get asked how you're doing, physically and emotionally, as well as being asked how baby's doing, of course.

The health visitor will almost certainly weigh your baby at this point too, and will be able to offer any tips on struggles you're having, for example, with things like breastfeeding (if you're that's what you're doing), guidance on baby-proofing your house, and will also be able to advise you on understanding your baby and explaining all about the immunisations your baby will be offered in the coming weeks and months.

What if it doesn't go well?

Sometimes there might be disappointment when it comes to a health visit – for various reasons. One of the mums on our Chat forum , Twin1Tasha, wasn't impressed with her health visitor because, she said, although she was nice, she "talked like a textbook".

As with all other healthcare professionals, some will have a communication style that works for you, and others maybe not so much. Should you find you just don't rub along well with your health visitor, it's worth remembering that, even if there's a bit of a clash of personalities, or you're not mad on their style of communication, they are there to help and there are probably some useful bits of information you can get from them all the same.

The good stuff

And the good news is that lots of our mums have found their health visitor experience to be really positive.

Another mum on our Chat forum , mum2one2, says that her health visitor "lives in the real world and gives advice that you can see is from her having children, as opposed to reading it in a book". And Karen says, "My health visitor is an absolute star and is always there if we need her."

So it's worth welcoming the visit with an open mind and you might just be surprised.

Extra support is helpful, too

Most health visitors will have a list of new parents to see in their area, either individually or as part of a team of health visitors. This means they could be exceptionally busy, and may have to limit their visits to less time than you'd find most useful.

With this in mind, it's worth remembering that no one expects you to rely solely on your health visitor for guidance: try to build up a network of help if you can– whether that includes your partner, other mum friends, family members or even your GP, so that, fingers crossed, you'll see your health visitor contact as part of a wider blanket of help – if you need it.

• What to expect at your baby's 6-week check
• 8 practical questions answered by a health visitor
• Newborn worries and how to deal with them

Tara is mum to 1 daughter, Bodhi Rae, and has worked as Content Editor and Social Media Producer at MadeForMums since 2015

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What to expect during your first primary care visit

Ololade Longe is a family medicine physician at Vancouver Clinic. She supports patients as they work toward their best mental and physical health — and greatest quality of life.

A primary care provider is your health home base. The person you see for yearly exams and when you are sick or have an ongoing concern. He or she looks out for your long-term wellness by letting you know when you need preventive care, noticing problems, and helping you manage chronic conditions. When you work with someone who knows you it’s easier to maintain a lifetime of health.

The first time you meet with your primary care provider he or she will want to get a sense of your medical and family history. You can help your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant get a more complete picture by:

• Asking your previous provider to send your health records to your new clinic

• Filling out any paperwork before arriving

• Bringing all your medications in their original bottles

• Knowing your family history of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

It can sometimes be hard to open up about sensitive topics, particularly when you are just getting to know someone. It’s important to answer questions accurately. The information you give helps your provider prevent medication interactions, suggest appropriate preventive screenings, and recommend important lifestyle changes.

Your first visit is also an opportunity for a provider to get to know you as a person. She or he may want to learn about your family life, spirituality, hobbies, and exercise habits. Knowing what matters to you helps your provider develop care plans you can stick to.

Additionally, your provider will want to address any burning health concerns. Because this is a “getting to know you” visit, if you have a lot of health issues it might be necessary to make follow-up appointments to fully discuss each issue. 

Patients also have an important task during the first visit, too: Assess if this provider is someone they can develop a relationship with. Do you feel heard and understood? Does the provider maintain good eye contact and seem confident? Do you like the way the staff treats you? While it can take time for patients and providers to get to know each other, you want to feel like your provider is someone you can trust.

At the end of your visit your provider will tell you what you need to do next. Some patients may need to receive labs or imaging or schedule a follow-up appointment. Others may need to work on nutrition and lifestyle changes at home. Following your provider’s recommendations is critical to addressing health issues.

Finally, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for prioritizing you! Staying on top of your health is one of the most important things you can do to feel and live better.

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Harris to visit the southern border for first time as Democratic presidential nominee

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make her first visit to the southern border since she jumped into the 2024 race, with plans to attack former President Donald Trump on an issue that's central to his campaign.

Harris is scheduled to visit a border town in Arizona on Friday, her campaign announced Wednesday. A campaign aide said she will highlight Trump's role in sinking a bipartisan border deal on Capitol Hill this year.

Immigration and border security are a weak spot for Harris. Polling frequently indicates that she trails Trump on the issue, and Trump repeatedly bashes her record in the Biden administration.

Her campaign is looking to highlight her earlier work on the issue while also painting Trump as "dangerous."

"As a former Attorney General from a border state, she took on international gangs and criminal organizations who traffic drugs, guns, and human beings, and she has long believed we need an immigration system that is secure, fair, orderly and humane, a stark contrast from the divisive and dangerous politics of Donald Trump," a Harris campaign aide said in a statement about the visit.

Harris will speak about “how she is pushing the toughest bipartisan border security plan in a generation,” the aide said.

When Harris discusses border and immigration issues on the campaign trail, she often points to Trump’s pushing congressional Republicans to squash a bipartisan border security bill that would have addressed many of the issues he criticizes.

The measure would have allowed the White House to close the border if too many migrants tried to cross, and it would have raised the "credible fear" standard for asylum claim interviews, funding more border agents and deportation flights.

"Donald Trump got word of the bill, realized it was going to fix a problem he wanted to run on and told them to kill the bill, don’t put it up for a vote," Harris said Wednesday in an interview with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle. "He killed a bill that would have actually been a solution, because he wants to run on a problem, instead of fixing a problem."

Harris has promised that if elected, she would revive the bill and sign it into law.

Trump has made the border and immigration a centerpiece of his pitch for the presidency, making multiple visits to the southern border during the campaign. He also has a history of using degrading language to describe migrants, calling them "animals," comparing them to the fictitious cannibal Hannibal Lecter and arguing baselessly that they are taking "Black jobs." In recent days, he has spread lies about Haitian immigrants residing legally in Springfield, Ohio.

Trump has characterized Harris in speeches as weak on the border. He said Tuesday on Truth Social that Harris was going to the border "for political reasons."

"She’s trying to con the public like she did a good job at the Border when, in fact, she has destroyed the very fabric of our Nation," he said in a post that also misstate d the number of migrants entering the country.

Friday's visit to Douglas, Arizona, will be Harris' second trip to the southern border during her term as vice president. Her first trip was to El Paso, Texas, in June 2021.

An NBC News poll conducted this month found that 54% of registered voters thought Trump would better handle securing the border and controlling immigration, compared with 33% who said the same of Harris.

At the same time, the poll indicated that 57% of registered voters thought Harris would be better at treating immigrants humanely and protecting immigrant rights, with 29% saying Trump would be better.

NBC News reported in August that shelters on the southern border and in some major cities experienced sharp declines in migrants seeking shelter over the past several months. Border Patrol agents in June apprehended the lowest monthly number of migrants crossing the southern border since President Joe Biden took office.

Megan Lebowitz is a politics reporter for NBC News.

Nnamdi Egwuonwu is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.

Antenatal support: meet the team

While you're pregnant, you'll normally see a small number of healthcare professionals.

They want to make you feel as comfortable as possible while you're pregnant and when you have your baby.

You'll usually have the same midwife or a small team of midwives who will care for you during pregnancy and the birth of your baby. But in some cases you may see several different professionals. You can ask what's available in your area.

At each appointment, the professionals you see should introduce themselves and explain what they do. If they forget, ask them. Make a note of who you've seen and what they've said in case you need to discuss something later on.

This page lists the people you're most likely to meet. Some may have trainee students with them – you'll be asked if you mind the students being present.

A midwife is an expert in normal pregnancy and birth.

Midwives are specially trained to care for mothers and babies throughout normal pregnancy,  labour and after the birth. They provide care in hospital or at home.

Midwives sometimes work both in hospitals and in the community (GP surgeries and home visits) so the same midwife may be able to provide antenatal care and be present at the birth.

The name of the midwife or team of midwives responsible for your care will be in your pregnancy notes.

Find out more about things to talk about with your midwife when making your birth plan .

A midwife will look after you during labour if everything is straightforward, and they'll probably deliver your baby.

If any complications develop during your pregnancy or delivery, you'll see a doctor as well as being cared for by your midwife. 

After the birth, you and your baby will be cared for by midwives or maternity support workers.

Head of midwifery

The head of midwifery can support you if you're having problems with your care or you feel your wishes are not being considered.

The charity Birthrights has factsheets on your rights and the law in pregnancy and birth that you might find useful.

If you've had your baby and want to talk about your birth experience, even if this was some time ago, the head of midwifery will be able to arrange this for you. The hospital's website may also have contact details for this service.

Obstetrician

An obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in care during pregnancy, labour and after birth.

Your midwife or GP will refer you to an obstetrician if they have any concerns about your pregnancy – for example, you had a previous complication in pregnancy or have a long-term illness.

You can ask to see an obstetrician if you have any concerns you want to discuss.

Anaesthetist

An anaesthetist is a doctor who specialises in providing pain relief and anaesthesia.

If you decide to have an  epidural for pain relief during labour, it'll be given by an anaesthetist.

If you require a  caesarean section , an anaesthetist will provide the appropriate anaesthesia.

They'll also be present if you require an epidural for an  instrumental delivery  – for example, with forceps or a vacuum device that helps deliver the baby's head (ventouse).

Paediatrician

A paediatrician is a doctor specialising in the care of babies and children. 

A paediatrician may check your baby after the birth to make sure everything is OK, and they'll be present when your baby is born if you've had a difficult labour.

If your baby has any problems, you'll be able to discuss these with the paediatrician.

If your baby is born at home or your hospital stay is short, you may not see a paediatrician at all. Your midwife or GP can check on you and your baby.

Neonatal nurse

Neonatal nurses are specially trained to care for babies who are premature or unwell when they're born.

They usually work within specialist neonatal units in the hospital or in the community.

They also have an important role in providing support for parents whose babies need neonatal care.

Sonographer

A sonographer is trained to carry out  ultrasound scans .

A sonographer will perform your:

• 12-week scan (dating scan)
• 20-week scan
• screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome

You may be scanned at other times in your pregnancy.

Obstetric physiotherapist

An obstetric physiotherapist is trained to help you cope with physical changes during and after pregnancy and childbirth.

Some go to antenatal classes and teach antenatal exercises, relaxation and breathing, active birth positions, and other ways to keep yourself fit and healthy during pregnancy and labour.

After the birth, they advise on postnatal exercises to tone up your muscles.

Health visitor

Health visitors are trained nurses who support and educate families from pregnancy through to a child's 5th birthday.

You may meet your health visitor before the birth of your baby and in the first few weeks after the birth.

You may continue to see your health visitor or a member of the team at home, or at your child health clinic, children's centre, health centre or GP surgery.

GOV.UK: find a children's centre near you

If you have any concerns about special diets or eating healthily – for example, if you develop gestational diabetes  – a dietitian can give you the advice you need.

Video: What can my baby understand and feel in the womb?

In this video, a clinical psychologist talks about what your unborn baby may feel in the womb.

Page last reviewed: 26 October 2023 Next review due: 26 October 2026

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Border ‘czar’ kamala harris claims its security has been a ‘longstanding priority’ as she hastily proposes immigration tweaks, ‘pathways to citizenship’ during visit.

DOUGLAS, Ariz. – Too little, too late?

Vice President Kamala Harris made her first visit to the US-Mexico border as the Democratic presidential nominee Friday to hastily announce measures meant to mitigate the ongoing border crisis fewer than 40 days before election day — despite having been the White House border “czar” for more than three-and-a-half years.

“The United States is a sovereign nation, and I believe we have a duty to set rules at our border and to enforce them,” Harris, 59, said at a rally after touring a section of the border wall in Cochise County.

“And I take that responsibility very seriously.”

She announced that if elected the 47th president, she would improve on an executive order announced by President Biden in June that barred migrants from applying for asylum when they cross the border illegally. 

“I will do more to secure our border, to reduce illegal border crossings,” Harris said. “I will take further action to keep the border closed between ports of entry.” 

“Those who cross our borders unlawfully will be apprehended and removed and barred from re-entering for five years,” the Democratic nominee pledged.

“We will pursue more severe criminal charges against repeat violators, and if someone does not make an asylum request at a legal point of entry, and instead crosses our border unlawfully, they will be barred from receiving asylum.” 

Her proposed tweaks to the 81-year-old president’s executive order were followed by a pledge to pursue amnesty for certain illegal immigrants already in the United States. 

“I reject the false choice that suggests we must either choose between securing our border or creating a system of immigration that is safe, orderly, and humane,” Harris said. “We can, and we must, do both.

“As president, I will work with Congress to create, at long last, a pathway to citizenship for hard-working immigrants who have been here for years, for years, and deserve to have a system that works,” she vowed. 

Harris indicated that she would implore Congress to create “pathways for citizenship” for illegal immigrants brought to the US as children and for migrant farm workers as well. 

She also accused former President Donald Trump, 78, of “sabotage” for opposing a Senate border bill over the summer, and vowed she would “bring it back up and proudly sign into law” if elected.

“The issue of border security is not a new issue to me,” the Biden border “czar” said before touting her work from nearly a decade ago countering transnational criminal organizations as California’s attorney general. 

“As attorney general of California, it was 10 years ago that I brought a bipartisan group of American attorneys general and led that group to travel to Mexico City to meet with Mexican attorneys general to address this issue, and in particular, to increase intelligence sharing on gang activity, all of which allowed us to prosecute more human traffickers,” she proudly recalled. 

“So stopping transnational criminal organizations and strengthening our border is not new to me, and it is a longstanding priority of mine,” Harris claimed. “I have done that work, and I will continue to treat it as a priority when I am elected president of the United States.”

The Trump campaign slammed the trip to Douglas, Ariz. as a last-ditch effort by Harris to salvage her image on the issue.

“Why didn’t she fix it almost four years ago?” Trump asked reporters during a news conference at Trump Tower Thursday.

“She’s got no plans, got no talent, got no ability to do it.”

Douglas, a former mining town with a population of around 16,000, is located in US Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector, one of the busiest for illegal crossings.

Since Oct. 1, 2023, more than 452,000 migrant encounters have been recorded, according to United States Customs and Border Protection data .

Although arrests have dropped since Biden’s June order, critics argue that the damage has already been done.

“I think what has got to happen is, regardless of the administration, I think that at some places you do need to secure the border, primarily because of human trafficking,” Tom Moffett, a minister from nearby Sonoita, told The Post.

“And that border is many times a last stop for someone being human trafficked.

“I think that you definitely need to secure the border. I think it became much more unsecure under this administration than it was the last administration, because I’ve got a lot of Border Patrol friends and this is coming from them.”

Bill Fortenberry, an actor based in the Old West-themed tourist city of Tombstone, agreed the situation has worsened in recent years.

“I see a lot more activity going on,” he said.

“I think we have some smart people in office on both sides. And regardless of who wins, I think that it is something that needs to be addressed. Because right now … what’s going on really isn’t working, but I feel for everybody involved.”

According to the RealClearPolitics polling average , Trump leads Harris by two percentage points head-to-head in Arizona, which he lost to Biden four years ago.

“Kamala’s last-minute trip to the border and empty calls for more security 39 days before the election will not rewrite the past 44 months of chaos, crime, and bloodshed caused by her open border policy,” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

“Over the past four years as Vice President, Kamala  laughed when asked why she hadn’t visited the border , denied the existence of a crisis, and pushed for mass amnesty. 

Throughout her entire career, Kamala has fought against more funding for Border Patrol, called to abolish ICE, and voted against construction of President Trump’s border wall,” she continued.

“The American people will not be deceived by Kamala’s political games — they are smart enough to realize Kamala Harris has been in charge of the border for four years and she has failed.”

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Your First Visit with the Gastroenterologist

Jennifer Nayor MD, of Concord Gastroenterology Associates sat down for an episode of Emerson’s Health Works Here podcast series to provide tips for your first visit to the gastroenterologist. Continue reading for her insights or listen to the podcast below .

Seeing a specialist for the first time can be stressful. A trip to the gastroenterologist can be especially nerve-wracking. “Patients don’t always feel comfortable talking about gastrointestinal (GI) issues,” notes Dr. Nayor of Concord Gastroenterology Associates . “We’re talking about things like bowel movements, farts and burps; about diarrhea and things that naturally give people the giggles. I don’t think these issues are anything to be anxious or nervous about, because that is why you are coming to see me.”

Preparing for Your Visit

Dr. Nayor recommends doing some homework before your visit. “I think coming prepared just helps reduce the anxiety.” She urges patients to assemble these items for the most effective and efficient visit:

• First, bring any records from previous testing and visits. This includes recent blood test results, prior endoscopy or colonoscopy results, and imaging results like ultrasounds or CAT scans.
• In addition, she urges patients coming from another gastroenterologist or primary care doctor to bring clinic notes from those visits. “It can be really helpful. I can get a sense of what other doctors have been thinking about.”
• Bring a list of current medications and dosages, including all prescriptions and supplements. If you don’t have time to write down each and every one, take the prescription bottles to the appointment with you.
• Lastly, prepare notes on your concerns and symptoms. Document the symptoms that brought you to the gastroenterologist with as many details as you can to provide a better picture of the issue you hope to resolve. Creating a list of questions helps the visit go smoothly. With an expert in front of you, it is the perfect opportunity to get answers.

What to Expect

While you are technically visiting a “specialist’s” office, expect to be checked over similar to a primary care visit. “I typically do a physical exam on any patient who I am meeting for the first time. I am a gastroenterologist, but I am also an internal medicine doctor. So I examine the patient from head to toe. I will examine the heart, the lungs, in addition to doing an abdominal exam and other GI assessments,” explains Dr. Nayor.

For rectal complaints, an examination of that area may be necessary. Rectal or anal pain, blood from the rectum, and itching or discomfort from the perianal area require closer inspection. Another member of the staff is present in the room during such an examination.

“I always tell patients everything I am doing at the time I do a rectal exam, so they know the steps involved. That tends to make them feel a bit more at ease,” shares Dr. Nayor.

An additional piece of advice is to learn who you will see at your first visit. At Concord Gastroenterology Associates, you will first meet with a specialist physician. However, some practices will schedule you with a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant for the first appointment.

Plan for 20 to 40 minutes for a full evaluation on the initial visit. Depending on your needs and GI history, it may take longer or shorter.

“Coming to the gastroenterologist should not be something that makes you anxious. You are coming to get help, and our job is to provide you with the help you need. Try to think about it like any other visit; you are there to get your questions answered and to feel better. And that is what we want for you.”

Listen to the Podcast

Dr. Jennifer Nayor talks about what to expect at your first visit with a gastroenterologist and provides tips to make your visit a valuable experience.

Subscribe to the Health Works Here Podcast on Apple Podcasts ,  Spotify ,  Google Podcasts  and wherever podcasts can be heard.

About Dr. Jennifer Nayor

Dr. Jennifer Nayor is a board-certified gastroenterologist with Emerson’s Concord Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Nayor performed her residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Please visit Dr. Nayor’s physician profile to learn more and request an appointment.

Related Content

• When to see a GI Specialist About Common GI Issues
• Health Works Here Podcast: Dr Jennifer Nayor Discusses Colon Cancer Screenings
• Learn About Concord Gastroenterology Associates
• Concord Gastroenterology Associates: A Key Partner in Recovery

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• Timing of first postnatal contact by health visitor

Evidence review D

NICE Guideline, No. 194

National Guideline Alliance (UK) .

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Review question

When should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made?

Introduction

The timing of engagement of different healthcare professionals in the postnatal period could have both positive and negative impact on the family during this delicate time period. In current practice, the Healthy Child Programme mandates two postnatal visits within the first 8 weeks from the health visitor team. The aim of this review is to explore what is the appropriate timing for the first postnatal contact by health visitors.

Summary of the protocol

See Table 1 for a summary of the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (PICO) characteristics of this review.

Summary of the protocol (PICO table).

For further details, see the review protocol in appendix A .

Methods and process

This evidence review was developed using the methods and process described in Developing NICE guidelines: the manual 2014 . Methods specific to this review question are described in the review protocol in appendix A .

Declarations of interest were recorded according to NICE’s 2014 conflicts of interest policy until March 2018. From April 2018 until June 2019, declarations of interest were recorded according to NICE’s 2018 conflicts of interest policy. From July 2019 onwards, the declarations of interest were recorded according to NICE’s 2019 conflicts of interest policy . Those interests declared before July 2019 were reclassified according to NICE’s 2019 conflicts of interest policy (see Register of Interests).

Clinical evidence

Included studies.

A systematic review of the literature was conducted but no studies were identified which were applicable to this review question.

See the literature search strategy in appendix B and study selection flow chart in appendix C .

Excluded studies

No studies were identified which were applicable to this review question.

Summary of studies included in the evidence review

No studies were identified which were applicable to this review question (and so there are no evidence tables in appendix D ). No meta-analysis was undertaken for this review (and so there are no forest plots in appendix E ).

Quality assessment of studies included in the evidence review

No studies were identified which were applicable to this review question and so there are no evidence profiles in appendix F .

Economic evidence

A single economic search was undertaken for all topics included in the scope of this guideline but no economic studies were identified which were applicable to this review question. See the literature search strategy in appendix B and economic study selection flow chart in appendix G .

No economic studies were reviewed at full text and excluded from this review.

Economic model

No economic modelling was undertaken for this review because the committee agreed that other topics were higher priorities for economic evaluation.

Evidence statements

Clinical evidence statements.

No evidence was identified which was applicable to this review question.

Economic evidence statements

No economic evidence was identified which was applicable to this review question.

The committee’s discussion of the evidence

Interpreting the evidence, the outcomes that matter most.

The committee were most interested in whether the timing of the first postnatal contact from a health visitor would improve the identification of safeguarding concerns so this outcome was rated critical. This outcome was important to the committee as they felt that current practice often leads to women having long stretches of time where they do not see a healthcare professional and other times where they see multiple healthcare professionals within a short space of time. With the uneven dispersion of healthcare professional contact, safeguarding concerns may be identified too late. The committee were also interested in the proportion of women breastfeeding exclusively or partially at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months after birth and this was rated a critical outcome. This outcome was important to the committee as it is common for women to give up breastfeeding in the early postnatal period if problems are encountered. The committee wanted to know whether the timing of the contact with a health visitor would maintain breastfeeding. Finally, the committee were interested in baby mortality within 1 year after birth, which was also a critical outcome.

The committee were also interested in the following important outcomes: emotional attachment between parent and baby when the baby is 12 to 18 months of age, the proportion of women assessed by a healthcare professional as experiencing moderate to severe depression or anxiety at 6 to 8 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the birth, the proportion of parents satisfied with their postnatal care and the proportion of unplanned attendance for woman or baby to health services or admission to hospital for problems within 8 weeks after the birth.

From the studies identified from the searches, none were selected as relevant from reviewing their title and abstracts. Studies were typically excluded as they were comparing additional postnatal contact compared to standard care, as opposed to comparing the scheduling of the same number of visits. As no evidence was identified, the committee had no data on any of these outcomes to use as a basis for discussions or making recommendations.

The quality of the evidence

Benefits and harms.

Owing to the lack of evidence, the committee made recommendations based on their knowledge, experience and through informal consensus.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s Healthy Child Programme currently mandates 1 health visitor visit in the antenatal period and 2 health visitor visits in the early postnatal period. The committee agreed that the timing of the postnatal visits could have an impact on various issues, including health outcomes as well as the families’ experience with the postnatal care.

First of all, the committee discussed that the first postnatal contact with the health visitor should be a home visit. This was important as the committee felt that many of the assessments that a health visitor would need to conduct would need to be in person as outlined in the recommendations on assessment and care of the woman and assessment and care of the baby, made on the basis of evidence review F about the essential content of postnatal contacts.

Through discussion about the timing of the first postnatal health visitor contact, the committee agreed it is not uncommon for the time between the final midwife contact and the first postnatal health visitor contact to be within a few days or in some cases a few hours of each other, which can be overwhelming for the family. Having these early postnatal contacts so close together is not beneficial to the woman or baby when both the woman and baby are experiencing rapid changes. Furthermore, it can create a long gap between the first and second postnatal health visitor visit. The committee agreed that having visits more spread out would allow parents to ask questions and have the baby’s progress checked as the changes occur throughout the postnatal period. For these reasons, the committee agreed that the recommendation about the timing of the first postnatal health visitor contact should also address the interlude between midwife and health visitor contacts.

Considering these issues, the committee recommend that the first postnatal contact by a health visitor could usually take place between 7 to 14 days after discharge from midwifery care, which would usually mean 17 and 28 days after birth because the discharge from midwifery care usually happens between 10 to 14 days after birth. Therefore, 17 days would be at least one week after the final midwife contact (if the contact was at 10 days). The committee did not want to recommend 21 days (which would also be 7 days after the last midwife contact if this contact was at 14 days) as they felt the time interval of 17 to 21 days was too restrictive. The committee acknowledged that many health visitors work part-time and not at weekends so a larger window for this first postnatal contact would be most realistic. Therefore, the timing of 7 to 14 days after discharge from midwifery care was agreed.

The committee felt that the benefit of this recommendation included giving hope to families that the health visitor, able to offer help, advice and support would be coming into their home within in a maximum of 2 weeks after the final midwife contact. A further benefit would be avoiding the current situation where women commonly have their last midwife contact and first contact with the health visitor all before 14 days. The next scheduled contact with a healthcare professional would be at 6–8 weeks following the birth. The committee felt this time interval was too long, leaving the families without contact from the healthcare professionals for weeks and sometimes resulting in families contacting the GP or going to the A&E unnecessarily. They agreed that having the postnatal contacts more evenly spread, and not concentrated on the first 2 weeks would be more beneficial to the woman and her baby so that there would not be long gaps and that concerns relating to the baby’s and mother’s health and wellbeing can be assessed and identified throughout the first 8 weeks after birth.

The committee discussed the potential risks or harms associated with the recommendation, if the time between the last midwife contact and the first postnatal health visitor contact would be too long for some families. The committee thought that provided that the woman had a comprehensive routine antenatal home visit by a health visitor (as mandated by the Healthy Child Programme) and that the family had been informed who to contact (and how) with problems or queries, then this interval would not be too long, for a low risk, ‘universal’, family. If, however, there were concerns about the woman or the baby, this would have either already been identified from the antenatal visit or would be passed on from the midwifery team to the health visitor team and it is current practice that an early health visitor contact would be scheduled. For this reason, the committee added a caveat, making a second recommendation on the basis of informal consensus, that in the circumstance that a routine antenatal health visitor home visit has not taken place, an additional early health visitor postnatal home visit could be arranged.

Finally, the committee did consider that a visit around day 28 might decrease the health visitor’s contact with partners as many will have returned to work but on balance they considered the benefits of these recommendations to outweigh the potential harms.

Given the lack of evidence identified for this review, the committee also made a research recommendation that studies should be carried out that would answer this review question on when the first postnatal contact with a health visitor should be made.

Cost-effectiveness and resource use

No economic evidence on the cost-effectiveness of the timing of the first postnatal contact by health visitors was identified. When making the recommendations, the committee agreed that the timing of the first health visitor contact should not affect the total number of health visitor contacts with women and their babies, and therefore the recommendations should have no impact on the total cost of health visitor contacts postnatally. The committee expressed the view that if routine health visitor contacts in the antenatal or postnatal period do not take place, then it is possible that problems developing during the antenatal or postnatal period may not be assessed and addressed, leading to more costly healthcare visits and interventions later in the care pathway, hence they made a recommendation that an additional early health visitor postnatal home visit could be arranged in the exceptional circumstance that a routine antenatal health visitor home visit has not taken place to replace this missed visit.

Other factors the committee took into account

In addition to the timing of the visits, the committee acknowledged that communication between midwifery and health visitor teams may be problematic or lacking in current practice. Recommendations about communication between different health care professionals and services were made based on evidence review B.

The committee also considered the current keep performance indicators (KPIs) for health visiting teams. They recognised that the current KPI target for the first postnatal contact (that is before 14 days) effectively overlaps with the time period when the woman is still under midwifery care, which does not represent the best use of resources. Therefore, the committee aimed to make recommendations that would improve the scheduling of contact for families in the early postnatal period, achieving best value and optimising health outcomes.

• young women (19 years or under)
• women with physical and cognitive disabilities
• women with severe mental health illness
• women who had difficulty accessing postnatal care services.

A stratified analysis was therefore predefined in the protocol based on these subgroups. However, considering the lack of evidence, the committee agreed not to make separate recommendations and that the recommendations they did make should apply universally.

Appendix A. Review protocol

Review protocol for review question: When should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made? (PDF, 230K)

Appendix B. Literature search strategies

Literature search strategies for review question: When should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made? (PDF, 207K)

Appendix C. Clinical evidence study selection

Study selection for: When should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made? (PDF, 130K)

Appendix D. Clinical evidence tables

Evidence tables for review question: when should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made, appendix e. forest plots, forest plots for review question: when should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made.

No meta-analysis was conducted for this review question and so there are no forest plots.

Appendix F. GRADE tables

Grade tables for review question: when should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made, appendix g. economic evidence study selection.

Economic evidence study selection for review question: When should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made? (PDF, 234K)

Appendix H. Economic evidence tables

Economic evidence tables for review question: when should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made, appendix i. economic evidence profiles, economic evidence profiles for review question: when should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made, appendix j. economic analysis, economic analysis for review question: when should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made.

No economic analysis was conducted for this review question.

Appendix K. Excluded studies

Excluded studies for review question: when should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made, clinical studies.

All studies identified in the search were excluded at the title and abstract stage. Therefore, no clinical evidence was identified for these review questions.

Economic studies

No economic evidence was identified for this review.

Appendix L. Research recommendations

Research recommendations for review question: When should the first postnatal contact by health visitors be made? (PDF, 155K)

Evidence review underpinning recommendations 1.1.15 to 1.1.16

These evidence reviews were developed by the National Guideline Alliance, part of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Disclaimer : The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or service users. The recommendations in this guideline are not mandatory and the guideline does not override the responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or their carer or guardian.

Local commissioners and/or providers have a responsibility to enable the guideline to be applied when individual health professionals and their patients or service users wish to use it. They should do so in the context of local and national priorities for funding and developing services, and in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity and to reduce health inequalities. Nothing in this guideline should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties.

NICE guidelines cover health and care in England. Decisions on how they apply in other UK countries are made by ministers in the Welsh Government , Scottish Government , and Northern Ireland Executive . All NICE guidance is subject to regular review and may be updated or withdrawn.

• Cite this Page National Guideline Alliance (UK). Timing of first postnatal contact by health visitor: Postnatal care: Evidence review D. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2021 Apr. (NICE Guideline, No. 194.)
• PDF version of this title (447K)

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• NICE Evidence Reviews Collection

Related NICE guidance and evidence

• NICE Guideline 194: Postnatal care

Supplemental NICE documents

• Supplement 1: Methods (PDF)

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• Review Effectiveness and experiences of families and support workers participating in peer-led parenting support programs delivered as home visiting programs: a comprehensive systematic review. [JBI Database System Rev Implem...] Review Effectiveness and experiences of families and support workers participating in peer-led parenting support programs delivered as home visiting programs: a comprehensive systematic review. Munns A, Watts R, Hegney D, Walker R. JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep. 2016 Oct; 14(10):167-208.
• GPs' and health visitors' views on the diagnosis and management of postnatal depression: a qualitative study. [Br J Gen Pract. 2008] GPs' and health visitors' views on the diagnosis and management of postnatal depression: a qualitative study. Chew-Graham C, Chamberlain E, Turner K, Folkes L, Caulfield L, Sharp D. Br J Gen Pract. 2008 Mar; 58(548):169-76.
• Evaluation of a brief intervention to assist health visitors and community practitioners to engage with fathers as part of the healthy child initiative. [Prim Health Care Res Dev. 2015] Evaluation of a brief intervention to assist health visitors and community practitioners to engage with fathers as part of the healthy child initiative. Humphries H, Nolan M. Prim Health Care Res Dev. 2015 Jul; 16(4):367-76. Epub 2015 Feb 4.
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Health Visitor Information Pack

The health visitor information pack describes the evidence-based approach of the work of health visitors and information on the transition of the service over the next 2 years and beyond.

Applies to England

Health visitor information pack.

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Other relevant resources

These resources and tools are aimed at health visitors and people who work with them to deliver the Healthy Child Programme for children aged 0 to 5 years old . They include professional pathways, guidance and education and training resources, as well as factsheets and questions and answers (Q and A).

The Health Visitor Programme Implementation Plan sets out the purpose, vision, programme of work, governance and accountability for the programme as well as information on those involved in the delivery.

Guidance for education commissioners, higher education institutions and lecturers  setting out the approach on aligning education with regard to provision of a transformed health visiting service. Also sets out a more detailed rationale and suggestions for aligning the ‘new service vision’ and meeting family expectations.

The Health Visitor Practice Teacher Framework pulls together all the published information around health visitor practice teachers.

Guidance on the health visiting career for commissioners, practice educators, line managers, service leads and newly qualified health visitors, including those who have responsibility for the skills, support and experiences of newly qualified health visitors.

Guidance for health visitors and midwives to help them deliver improved shared outcomes and greater integration of services.

The Health Visiting School Nursing Pathway provides a structured approach to addressing the common issues identified by both professionals associated with the transition of a family and child from health visiting to school nursing services. Builds on good practice and provides a systematic solution-focused approach on which to base future local practice.

The Maternal Mental Health Pathway guidance provides a structured approach on common issues associated with maternal mental health and wellbeing, from pregnancy through the early months after the birth. The maternal mental health pathway focuses on the role of the health visitor but also recognises the essential contributions of partners in midwifery, mental health, general practice and third sector, and also supports professional practice.

Health visiting factsheets and Q and As for local authority and GPs .

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Integrated review for children aged 2-2.5

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First health visitor appointment

captainshortie · 30/11/2018 18:45

Just got a letter for my first health visitor appointment, just wondering what to expect? Anyone got any advice?

Be honest if you have any concerns or worries - they are there to advise and support. It’s not a big deal, they aren’t there to try to suss out if you’ll be a shit parent or anything, they’ll just say hello, let you know about the services in your area and give you some information about safe sleep and feeding probably.

I had mine today. She made some vague noises about safe sleeping, asked how I planned to feed, asked how I was feeling generally, complimented the smell of my White Company Christmas candle and that was that.

Mine was 2.5 hours of being shown every leaflet and most of the pages of the red book.

General plan of expected visits after birth, 1 & 2 year checks, where weigh clinics were and on what days and if they were appointments or drop in.

Banging on and on about breastfeeding despite me saying I intended to try to breastfeed. Safe sleeping info. Vacinatuin schedule. Going through the nappy bags can suffocate newborn leaflet. Etc etc etc.

It was death by 1000 leaflets and so much information that my head was spinning and any useful info was lost. Thankfully everything that she said was in the red book or leaflet, and anything I needed to ask I could ring or speak to them when they visited after birth.

Thankfully she has retired and they don't seem to do visits before your second.

Gosh, mine was about half an hour!

About 45 minutes, really lovely, asked about my birth plan, how things were going, let me and DH talk about our backgrounds (anxiety and depression), seemed genuinely interested in helping me as I'm worried about PND. She said I could call her any time.

Mainly they are checking for severe depression and whether your partner is abusing you.

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• United States

San Francisco

The San Francisco Bucket List For First-Time Visitors

by Annie Srsen

Photograph by Annie Srsen

What to do in San Francisco? Everything. (Photo: Getty Images)

Over the past 200 years, San Francisco has experienced a gold rush, massive earthquakes, and dozens of art movements. The result? A traveler’s paradise with countless historical, culinary and artistic experiences to be encountered.

If it’s your first time visiting Golden Gate City (or even if you’re a repeat traveler), here’s your guide to San Francisco’s  must-do activities, sights and hotspots.

Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco is all but synonymous with the Golden Gate Bridge .

Opened in 1937, this landmark spans 1.7 miles and the two towers stand at 746 feet tall. Wondering how it got its iconic orange color? Architect Irving Morrow chose the color to contrast the surroundings and stand out for passing ships.

Visitor’s Tip: The Golden Gate Visitors Center and actual bridge itself may be crowded in peak seasons with people walking across.

For equally amazing views of the bridge, head to Crissy Field , a dog-friendly park just southeast of the bridge. Restored in 2001, Crissy Field is a former military airfield that today provides biking, walking and hiking trails to visitors.

Coit Tower – Telegraph Hill

If you’re looking for a bird’s eye of San Fran, look no further than the Coit Tower . Built in 1933 atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower stands 210 feet tall on a 284 foothill.

On your way up the tower, take special note of the murals lining the base of the structure. They were painted in 1934 as a way to depict Californians’ lives during the Great Depression.

Once at the top, have your camera ready! If you’re lucky, you might even catch a photo of the wild parrots that call Telegraph Hill home.

Visitor’s Tip: Take the Muni #39 Coit Bus to get to the tower. There’s only about 15 paved parking spots so spaces are limited.

One of the most iconic ways to traverse the city of San Francisco is via cable car.

Traveling along multiple tracks entrenched in main roadways, the cars offer easy on and off traveling through the various streets and steep hills.

Take either the Powell/Hyde or Powell/Mason lines for the best “steep” views of the city and Alcatraz Island. Stop at the Cable Car Museum to see historic cable cars, including three antique models from the 1870s. Best part – admission is free.

Visitor’s Tip: Layers, layers, layers. Dress warm; you’ll pick up quite a breeze on those San Francisco hills.

Transamerica Pyramid

Built in 1969, this San Francisco landmark’s pyramid shape is unique to the city’s skyline and a must-do on your San Francisco bucket list . At 853 feet tall, it is the tallest building in Northern California. Check out the “crown” of the building – a 212-foot aluminum spire that glows bright at night.

Visitor’s Tip: The Transamerica Pyramid’s observation deck on the 27th floor was closed to visitors following 9/11. However, if you’re in town for a business conference, consider booking a meeting room on the 48th floor.

Haight-Ashbury District

Eclectic sights abound in this colorful neighborhood, once the epicenter of the Hippie movement in the 1960s and 70s. With shopping and art in full gear here, this is a neighborhood sure to indulge the senses.

Stop for pictures along Alamo Square’s “postcard row” – aptly named for its beautiful Victorian buildings lining Hayes and Steiner streets.

Spend your afternoon browsing the music collections at Amoeba Music – a record store opened in 1990 that houses everything from jazz to folk and blues.

Visitor’s Tip: While there is metered parking on Haight, finding a spot can be rough. Instead, rely on public transportation to get to the area. Muni buses 7, 71 and 71L run the length of Haight.

San Francisco is home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America. Explore Chinese culture, cuisine and history in this engaging neighborhood.

Stroll through the area and enjoy the fresh produce markets, street vendors and cheap eats at the many restaurants.

Visitor’s Tip: As probably expected, the area is incredibly crowded. Take the Powell St. BART and then hop on the cable car into Chinatown for easy public transportation.

The Ferry Building

Located at the foot of Market Street, the Ferry Building is home to a rich shopping experience , making it a to-do for first-time San Francisco visitors .

Central to all San Francisco transit options (the Muni, BART and Ferry boats), the Ferry Building shops feature local San Francisco goods for meals to remember.

Grab something sweet at Recchiuti Confections or stop in Heath Ceramics to buy something special for family back home.

Visitor’s Tip: There is a Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Alcatraz Island

Home to a former federal penitentiary, Alcatraz Island is also home to the West Coast’s first lighthouse.

Though all inmates were moved in 1963, the island sees plenty of visitors interested in learning about the prison’s history and about famous inhabitants such as Al Capone.

Once on the island, you can choose to either explore on your own with a free audio tour narrated by previous wardens and former inmates or you can take the guided tour.

Bonus: there’s free Wi-Fi on the island so you can Instagram as many pictures as you want without blowing your data.

Visitor’s Tip: Order tickets online well in advance of your visit to San Francisco – as these trips usually book quickly, especially around peak travel times.

Palace of Fine Arts

Built to show the international grandeur of San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts was built in 1915 for the World’s Fair. Although all other buildings constructed for the fair were torn down, the Palace remained as a landmark and symbol of the city’s architectural beauty.

Take a moment to experience the performing arts such as ballet, theater and musicals.

Or, just stop by to take in the views of the structure itself and the surrounding lagoon and gardens, free of charge!

Visitor’s Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. There are plenty of hidden areas and unpaved paths on the grounds worth exploring.

AT&T Park

Visit the home of the 2012 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park .

Not only does the ballpark have arguably the best view in all of sports (thanks to McCovey Cove), it also has some pretty great food. Long gone are the days of peanuts and Cracker Jacks.

Grab a pint of craft beer and fried mac and cheese or pulled-pork sliders. If seafood is more your style, head to Crazy Crab’z in center field for its Dungeness crab sandwich on sourdough.

Visitor’s Tip: Looking for a cool spot near the stadium to pregame? Head to 21st Amendment Brewery for a few cold ones.

Fisherman’s Wharf

The wooden plank walkways and water views give Fisherman’s Wharf the appearance of floating in the water. With dozens of shops, restaurants and attractions like an aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf is enough to fill your day with unique experiences. Grab a bite to eat at Alioto’s Restaurant .

Opened in 1925, the Alioto family has been serving up the freshest seafood around. Split the Alioto’s Seafood Tower with your travel buddy and enjoy the lobster, prawns, oysters, clams, Bay shrimp cocktail and cracked crab.

Visitor’s Tip: Don’t miss the sea lion colony that calls the docks next to Pier 39 home.

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