I'd like to start by saying that all of the health visitors I have spoken to have been caring, friendly and professional in their approach. However I have found a lack of follow up and continuity of care. On the first visit from my health visitor she said health visitors are not just there to weigh babies, they are there to support me with all aspects of my baby's development, including sleeping, feeding and caring for my baby.
I really struggled with lack of sleep when my baby was between 6-12 weeks old and turned up to the clinics at Sunnyside and Dovecote House in tears, at the end of my tether. I had to retell my story the each time I went, I saw a different person and have never seen my named health visitor at clinic. Each time I was offered support and reassurance, but no real advice or strategies or what I really needed was follow up. I felt that once I'd left the clinic there was no support and I was not their problem any more. Each time I was promised that my health visitor would call me to check I was OK. This never happened.
I went to the GP for advice. The GP felt that my baby could have a lactose intolerance or cows milk allergy. As I breast feed my baby, the GP advised to start a dairy free diet and to inform my health visitor, which I did via phone message. Since then contact has been minimal.
I appreciate there are other families in worse situations but I feel the health visitors haver not lived up to their promises and I've had to cope alone.
"I feel the health visitors have not lived up to their promises"
About: Children & younger people's services / Broxtowe Healthy Family Team Children & younger people's services Broxtowe Healthy Family Team Mansfield NG21 0HJ
Posted by beth hardwick (as ),
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