Last month, Hector had his two year check-up. Everything was fine and I was pleased to hear he scored highly on all of the various tests that the Health Visitor put him through.
The appointment only lasted about 25 minutes including a weighing and height measuring session (above average height apparently…I have NO idea where he gets this from!). In fact it probably would have been much shorter if Hector hadn’t forced the poor suffering woman to look at each and every one of his toys. How she kept such an interested face for the duration I’ll never know.
Despite how lovely the Health Visitor was and the fact it was interesting to find out how much he weighed and how tall he was I was left wondering what exactly was the point of the check-up in the first place. I mean I could have easily weighed and measured Hector myself and then plotted it on the relevant charts to ascertain his progress; only laziness has prevented me from doing so thus far. Nor did I feel like I was learning anything particularly new about his skill sets and what he ‘should’ be accomplished at by his age. A mixture of detailed nursery reports, regular conversations with parents of children of the same age as Hector and personal research means that I feel comfortable about his progress and what he is able to do/not do.
When I shared these feelings with some friends of mine, the majority agreed. Of those who had already gone through the checkup, not one of them had gained any useful information out of it. If anything the experience had been one of minor inconvenience having to organise the visit to fit alongside working hours either at home or by visiting their local doctor’s surgery. One mum couldn’t even remember the one year check-up she had taken her little to, despite all the ticked boxes in her red book, it had been that inconsequential.
But then another close friend of mine offered a different point of view. She said ‘It’s a good thing to come out of it saying…well that was pointless….it means all is well. I think it seems pointless for some people whose babies are ‘well’ but I think it is necessary for those mums who struggle to know what to do or who don’t recognise if something is wrong.’
A valid argument and one that I hadn’t previously considered in my rather shortsighted ignorance. I felt rather ashamed of myself. You see, I’d adored my midwife who looked after me during Hector’s first two weeks on this planet. I loved her no-nonsense but loving attitude and she was a much needed source of support when I felt completely at sea with my new mum status. I was rather sad to see her go when the exchange from Midwife to Health Visitor was completed. From then on I’ve felt rather more self-sufficient with only sporadic visits to the baby clinic to get Hector weighed during his first year and hardly any contact at all from then on. But I see now that for some parents that this isn’t necessarily the case. That actually these checks provide some peace of mind, a valid method of support for many and even provides an early opportunity for Medical Professionals to spot issues/problems with children that haven’t been identified up until this point. In short, these checks can be a lifeline for both parents and children alike.
So I guess this is where I ask you what you think of the two year check and even the one year check. Pointless? Or incredibly valuable? Was something picked up at your own appointment that you hadn’t previously considered/noticed? Perhaps you think that this use of NHS resources would be better utilised elsewhere. Why not share your thoughts in the comments box below; we’d love to hear what you have to say on the matter.
Morning! Our one year check was basically a one hour play session where the health visitor and student and I all just showered Madam with attention. But I know from others experiences that the development checks were undertaken months late or concerns they raised were airily dismissed.
Just about to have our pre-natal HV check in for number 2 and I find this really uncomfortable in spite of good relationships forged with most of the team. it’s the whole coming to my house, not me going to them- and Sod’s law someone will fall over with her doll pushchair and have a black eye just for the occasion.
I know people who have found their HV to be a rock and I’ve had some great reassurance from ours in the early days but they are an optional service I believe: so do wonder if the children the service is designed to protect may slip through the net. But making it compulsory feels like an argument I’m really not happy with. Interesting.
Morning Lucy! It’s strange you mention the home visit as that’s all I’ve known. They’ve always come to me which makes things a darn sight easier. But yes I’ve had friends who have raised concerns with their HV and they’ve been dismissed but without putting their minds at rest so I do think it’s luck of the draw as to who you end up with. I hadn’t realised that the whole service was optional…
My daughters two year check was similar, no issues with her development. We were given a booklet of activities a few weeks before the appointment, to do with her to assess what she can/can’t do which I found really helpful.
I also think maybe the HV uses the appointment time to see how the parents are doing. By the time the two year check was done for my daughter I’d already had my second baby and was struggling so I welcomed the opportunity to talk to her and get some support.
I personally think it’s a brilliant service and reminds mums (and dads) that they’re not on their own the minute they walk out of the maternity hospital!
It’s so great to hear that you used the appointment to get some support with your second baby Becky – proof that this service is valuable and needed!
As a child health professional you have answered the question of the point of the 2year check already. It’s a chance to see the child that they don’t see that often to check on them to see if there are problems and don’t be self conscious but we are checking the parents as much as the child. it may seem like all is taken is a height and weight but the HV would have been observing hectors communication skills, hence all the toys! Your interaction with him and vice Versa and how he is in the environment.
A quick in and out is what you want though, means all is fine!
Phew Jill. Clearly I passed the test then! It’s great to hear feedback from those who are actually out there and conducting these services themselves; it feels like we’re being given the inside scoop! Thanks for commenting.
As a former UK doctor (now living in Australia) I feel that these checks are invaluable, mostly for children of low socio-economic standing and/or of young/first time parents.
Sadly speaking to my health visitor when my twin girls had their check she confirmed my suspicion that the funding for these will mostly likely be withdrawn over the next few years as part of the wider NHS cuts.
When I had our twin girls checked (one of whom didn’t walk until she was 25 months due to hypermobility) I got to discuss with another medical professional over a relaxed appointment (Remember your GP appointments are 10 mins only) whether she thought physio would be beneficial for Lily. I even discussed tips with her as to how to make our fussy eaters try new foods- her wealth of knowledge and experience was astounding!
The Public Health Service in Australia does not fund these ‘milestone checks’ and I can’t tell you how many kids I have seen in the Emergency Department that I feel have a subtle developmental delay- that should have been picked up earlier!
Morning Sophie (very chuffed to see you’re still tuning in from Australia!). It’s so sad to hear that these services are likely to be withdrawn over the next few years. In some ways it feels a bit like the end of an era if they do go ahead with this plan as it’s clear that there are so many parents that benefit from, as you say, a relaxed appointment that they’re not able to access elsewhere. It’s also interesting to hear your thoughts on the differences between two countries – one who funds such checks and the other which doesn’t and the subsequent effect on the kids.
We’ve got our two year check in three weeks and I’m very anxious about it. We haven’t seen a health visitor for over a year and we do need advice about speech and language. There is literally no other help available to us so I’m thankful that there may be *some* advice that can help us. We also don’t have many friends with kids, so I find it hard to measure her against others. She does attend nursery but they haven’t produced reports for her for a while so I’m inevitably panicking.
In preparation for the visit we’ve already had to fill out that massive questionnaire, and she’s regularly weighed and measured in hospital, so I’m hoping I can use the time to get the advice mentioned above.
I do know someone whose son had a rare genetic disorder that was only picked up at a health check and being asked the questions, so I think they’re useful even if it’s just to offer support to those kids that might slip through the net and parents who might not always hve the support/knowledge they need.
Rhiannon have you asked your nursery if they have any concerns about her speech development? Not so long back I shared a post about Hector on the blog and the fact I was concerned about how little he was speaking and the response from the RMF community was phenomenal; it might be worth checking the archives to see if any of the comments allay your fears in the meantime before meeting with your HV.
From a personal perspective Hector doesn’t speak as much as children I know who are the same age as him; that said the last few weeks have seen him come on leaps and bounds with several new words every day and joining them together too. The HV I met with said as long as they are joining five words together in a sentence by the time they are three then they have no concerns. After that point they can refer you to a speech therapist which where I live has waiting lists of over six months! Every child is different and will develop at different stages so please try not to worry too much although I know that’s easier said than done!
Thanks for replying lovely. I will ask nursery on Thursday I think and check the archives in a moment! I think we all just inevitably panic don’t we? She has had a mini leap of sorts over Christmas, so I shall look on the bright side in the meantime!
I would totally agree with you about the 1 year health check until very recently. My little boy was fine whenever he was checked during his 1st year and at the 1 year check everything was fine from the HV point of view. She told me to check both his testicles had dropped when I next bathed him and I thought nothing of it. However it turned out that one hadn’t which has now resulted in lots of consultant appointments and him having to have a small surgery in the future. Had she not mentioned it I would have never thought to check it and I’m so glad it’s getting sorted now. I can totally see from side but I’m so glad I listened to her advice!
That’s fantastic Nicola that it’s been picked up! Will your little boy need multiple surgeries to get it corrected or just the one?
Hopefully just one surgery but if they can’t fix it the 1st try he’ll go for keyhole surgery. It was something that was totally off my radar until she mentioned it! I’m now the crazy mum who talks about balls to all my friends with baby boys! ?
I only remember my son’s two year check because at the end of it he told the HV that we were going to the pub. It was 2pm, I was 5 months pregnant with my daughter and we were definitely not going to the pub! That aside, I agree that if you find it pointless then it is a sign that all is well…
I’m crying here Sarah – Hector likes going to the pub too…. 😉
we didn’t get a one year check because there was a waiting list and then I was told there was nobody available. I took my son to clinic and they did a two minute check/asked a few questions and said he seems fine. Whenever I take him to clinic I have to wait for a long time and then he’s weighed and I’m rushed through. I’ve never felt the HV team have given me any support other than weighing my son- this was important for a time as we had weight issues due to food intolerances but even then I wasn’t given advice on how to fatten him up, instead having to wait 8 months to see a dietician! So goodness knows if we will end up getting a two year check- I hope so as my son isn’t in childcare and it would be nice to hear from a professional he’s doing okay. I think the whole idea is good but unfortunately in my borough it seems there just isn’t enough health visitors!
Blimey Anna that’s awful. I’ve not heard of a waiting list for a one year check up before. Have you expressed your concerns to the HV team that you feel unsupported? If not for yourself but for all the other mums that are undoubtedly going through what you have. It might be worth raising the issue that you still haven’t had your one year check with them and that you would quite like it…
I have but unfortunately there just aren’t enough health visitors- we are classed as an inner city borough and there are a lot of deprived neighbourhoods (luckily not mine but within our borough) and I think the health visitors are tied up a lot with dealing with children who need more support. I saw an article recently that 1/5 children don’t receive their one year check due to health visitor shortages! Shocking!
I remember leos two year check up and I just thought it was really odd. I recall going to the doctors with him in tow, but the hv (who I’d never seen before) asked a couple of questions and then just got me to tick boxes as to wether or not he could do things. He didn’t have to ‘prove’ any of them which I think could’ve possibly been detrimental. I was honest with my ticks and luckily, he had hit every box. But what if he hadn’t and I was a shy unconfident mom who didn’t want to bring her little ones ‘failings’ to people’s attention? I was literally there for 5 minutes. The whole thing was really strange.
I agree it’s totally necessary to ensure things are well and to ascertain wether there are any flagging developmental areas (and for pointing out other important things like in Nicolas case) but I think that can only happen if the session is thorough, and all the right questions are asked. Perhaps that particular hv was having a lazy day. Or maybe the process has changed since Leo has his and they’re now more thorough. X
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with your reference to thoroughness Becks. I think the experience of the check-up is dependent upon the competence of the HV conducting it and also the rapport that the parent/s have with him/her. Like you say a five minute appointment with someone you’ve never met is hardly the best environment for a shy/nervous parent to bring up any issues that they’ve been experiencing. Did you say anything to the HV team about the appointment; about how you’d found it?
I never saw them again after that :/ Didn’t seem there was much point with everything being A ok x
I think they are worthwhile for all the reasons mentioned but agree that this will probably be a service that is cut in the future. We are loosing so many services the health service will be gone in our lifetime which is such a shame
Just wanted to say cracking posts today RMS / RMF!
I think we’re so lucky in this country to have the chance to see a HV whenever we want until our babies are 5. Our son’s 1 year check wasn’t overly exciting but reassuring nonetheless that if there was an issue I could have discussed it or the HV would have picked up on something. I suspect you get out of it what you need, so if you do have questions etc they can be answered.
Ahhh Victoria thank you so much! Always nice to hear such lovely feedback.
I think health visitor checks really depend on who you get and their experience levels. I’ve had a mixed experience and have had several appointments where I felt like they were judging me as a parent more than checking the development of my child.
When my now 3.5yr old had her 2 year check i ticked the box on the questionnaire they sent to say that yes- she had tantrums (like any other toddler!). We discussed it briefly at our appointment and I thought that was it done and dusted, but I then had several follow up phone calls to ask how I was coping with her “behavioural issues”. Her tantrums were no worse than her peers and I’d said I was unconcerned, so I have no idea why we were flagged?
Likewise we were flagged when my next baby was born with a (non life altering) genetic condition. My husband is an answers man and was frustrated that we didn’t get many answers to our questions when she was initially born and suggested seeing a private consultant. This has left what appears to be a massive red mark on our file, as every time I see a health visitor I’m asked “how he’s coping” and if “he’s bonding well”. I’ve never suggested that he’s not and he’s a loving, content daddy so I don’t know why it’s still brought up nearly a year on?
I know health visitors are there for a reason, but other than a little help with weaning I’ve found them to be quite meddling!
I guess the health visitor doesn’t know you or your husband personally so it’s better to be safe than sorry. There might be a family in a similar situation who are struggling & those red flags are a lifeline. At least that’s how I would interpret a meddling Hv!
We had our 2 year check a few months ago with my favourite Health Visitor who is in her early sixties, proper old school and know’s her stuff. It didn’t start terribly well as Noah decided to have a tantrum prior to her arrival and I was desperately trying to calm him down. When she arrived, he was sat in the corner, with no trousers on, watching Peppa Pig on my iphone. ‘I don’t usually let him do that’ I said to the HV (Oh god, she’ll write notes on this!’) She smiled and totally understood that ‘2 year olds will be 2 year olds’. I found the session really useful and it was lovely to see that she was happy with his progress.
At the end, she said to me ‘and how are YOU feeling?’ This threw me a bit. When I had given birth to Noah, I was always asked how I was feeling at every midwife appointment and Health Visitor check but it was so nice that 2 years down the line, she still asked me this question 🙂
Hi,
We have ours booked in for end of February, lm actually quite nervous as my 2 year old doesn’t talk much and despite a couple phone calls to the healthy visitor already they just advise to try different speech exercises with her and she will get there eventually. I was hanging on to the hope that the two year check may provide a proper chance to talk through my concerns.
I remember reading an article before that you were concerned about Hectors speech, has this improved?
Nessa