A new video highlights how Hounslow Health Visiting Service supports families at the start of their parenting journey.
You can watch a short version above or watch the full video here.
From three months before a child is born, right up until they start school, healthcare providers are there to guide parents-to-be and young families through all aspects of pregnancy and a child’s first year.
We asked the service to explain a little more about health visits and tell us what you can expect if you are expecting a child yourself.
How does the health visit relationship begin?
If you are pregnant, the relationship with a health care provider normally starts when a midwife or GP gives them your details, and they will then contact you to confirm your contacts.
Although you don’t need to do anything yourself to contact your health care provider, it’s important that you respond to any contact you have from them as soon as you can. That way, they can start supporting you early.
They can find exactly the best way to help you because they will understand your individual circumstances. You can also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a professional looking after you and your baby as early as possible, guiding you through a time that is magical but can also bring its own worries – especially if your first born.
How will your healthcare provider help you?
Your healthcare provider can support you with many aspects of parenting, including looking after your own health.
Health visits are about understanding what you need as a parent, so your health care provider will largely be guided by you telling them what’s going on with you and your baby.
Regardless of your circumstances, you will have at least five contacts with your healthcare provider. These can be at your home, at wellness clinics or via the advice phone. The Service will try to make the Contacts as convenient as possible for you, so will arrange the Contacts to suit you best when possible.
Things that are often covered during visits include your experience of parenting, the health of your family, any concerns you may have, and more.
But every parent’s experience is different, so your healthcare provider will talk to you to assess the level of support you need. For example, if you are experiencing postnatal depression, this is something your healthcare provider can help with.
They work closely with other healthcare professionals, so even if they can’t help you first, they can put you in touch with someone who can.
Find out more
More information about the Health Visit Service can be found on the website Friskare Together.
You can also call the health care helpline on 0208 973 3490, open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00.
