BABY FEEDS TO FINANCES: WHAT THEY’LL WANT TO KNOW
FIRST VISIT: Antenatal contact at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy.
TIME: 45-60mins The health visitor is instructed to ‘begin early assessment of maternal/ family health, well-being and early identification of vulnerability or additional needs’. Subjects to be brought up with the expectant mother include her alcohol intake, the benefits of breastfeeding and a ‘routine inquiry about family finances’. The health visitor is expected to promote ‘attuned, sensitive parenting and bonding; raise awareness of the value of talking, stroking and singing pre-birth’.
SECOND VISIT: New baby 11-14 days check.
TIME: 60-90mins The health visitor is instructed to ‘engage with family’ and undertake ‘assessment and identification of child/family strengths and health/ mental health and well-being needs’. As well as checking the baby’s physical development, the visitors are once again required to inquire about the family’s finances.
THIRD VISIT AND FOURTH VISIT: Three to five weeks
TIME: 30-45 mins per visit The health visitor is required to undertake a ‘continued assessment process and identification of child/ family health strengths and well-being needs’, discuss immunisation and the mother’s ‘well-being’ and contraceptive choices’.
FIFTH VISIT: Six to eight weeks TIME: 45-60mins The health visitor is to chat with the mother and father about keeping the baby active. ‘Discuss importance of helping baby to move. Reduce/limit sitting time in buggies and car seats.’ The visitors are also expected to raise the subjects of depression, contraception and domestic abuse.
SIXTH AND SEVENTH VISITS: At three months and four months.
TIME: 45-60mins per visit At this stage, health visitors should inquire about depression, share public health information, observe child development and ask about gender-based violence. They should ‘assess’ the ‘home learning environment and the importance of play, talking, reading and singing on bonding and for early language skills’, as well as raise the issue of ‘post-natal weight management’.
EIGHTH VISIT: Eight months TIME: 30-45 mins More public health information should be shared, such as diet and exercise, review assessment and identification of child/family health/ mental health and well-being needs. Share public health information and observe child’s progress.
NINTH AND TENTH VISITS: At 13- 15 months and 27-30 months. Development and well-being review
TIME: 45-60 mins per visit According to the guidance, the ‘assessment should include quality of parent-child relationship and mental health of the principal carer’. The health visitor should also check speech and language, behaviour, immunisations, inquire about family finances/gender-based violence and discuss topics such as sun safety and ‘screen time’.
ELEVENTH VISIT: Four to five years, before starting school. Development and well-being review.
TIME: 30-45 mins At the health visitor’s final home visit, before handing over the role of the Named Person to the child’s school, further inquiries are made regarding financial situation, the ‘home learning environment’, physical activity and nutrition.