Heath visitor role

Pregnancy & Birth |

According to the Family and Parenting Institute parents love health visitors.In March 2007 YouGov carried out a poll for the organisation which shows that 76 per cent of parents in England want parenting support and advice on their child’s health and development from a trained health visitor.

However, Sally Jimson from the Family and Parenting Institute told us that the number of health visitors are in “freefall” and they are in danger of becoming an “endangered species”.

Sally said, “The health visitor can come before the birth and talk about looking after the baby…mostly nowadays you see the health visitor after the birth and they come and talk to you about breastfeeding and looking after the baby. They also offer you emotional support. She should be there for general support. “There are huge variations up and down the country in the number of health visitors. Many mothers are only getting one visit or they’re getting a leaflet through the door to call if they need help. Many fathers too wanted to be more involved and we think a health visitor has a vital role to play because they look at the whole family.”

Many new Mums are diagnosed with conditions such as postnatal depression. Ms Jimson believes health visitors play a vital role.

Sally said, “Mild to medium postnatal depression can really be helped by a health visitor. Parents have told us that they really value that early support. From our research 57 per cent of mothers said they felt unhappy after they’d given birth.”

Have you had a bad experience with your Health Visitor? If so, write to your local MP or Primary Care Trust and let them know if you’re not satisfied about the service you’re receiving.