"Broxtowe healthy families team"

Some of our friends who had a baby 6 months before us had a visit from the health visitor whilst pregnant. I asked my midwife about this who wasn't sure but knew they were going through some changes.

I never had an antenatal visit from the health visitor at all. When my son was born the midwives handed over my care to the health visitors. They came out and did the usual reviews and mentioned about the antenatal appointment, when I said I hadn't had one they apologised and didn't know why I hadn't.  

Going forward I had some difficulties with my sons weight and other things but never felt I got the support from my health visitor, and although we were supposedly supposed to be being monitored they never chased us up to see us. My son is now 11 and half months, I have heard mums talking abut their children's reviews and how they had letters through the post. I however have never had a letter about a review for my son.

I decided to check his red book which there is a section about an 8-12 month review, but at 11 and half months we haven't had. So being a diligent mum rang up to find out about this and yes he should bee reviewed and yes we should have received and letter. I feel let down by the service as if I hadn't been on the ball then my son would be missed and what if his development was behind and input required when would this have been picked up, when at school?

I have also suffered postnatal depression. My doctor said she was contacting the health visitors to support as this is something they can help with. I again received no support. I wouldn't even know the name of our health visitor. As a first time mum I feel let down and unsupported.