What is a health visitor?
A health visitor is a qualified and registered nurse or midwife who is specially trained to assess the health needs of individuals, families and the wider community. They aim to promote good health and prevent illness in the community by offering practical help and advice. The role involves visiting people in their homes, in particular new parents and children under five, as well as working with other sections of the community. Working as a health visitor may also include tackling the impact of social inequality on health, and working closely with at-risk or deprived groups. Mostly in the UK and AUS. I had to look it up because I am American.
I live in the uk and a health visitor is a major part in helping us with babies and children during the first 5 years of their life. When you have a baby here a midwife will look after you, visit your home, weigh the baby etc for the 10 days after the birth. After that it is handed over to your named Health Vistior. They are wonderful help (sometimes!!) and can offer breastfeeding, colic, weaning advice and many baby classes. My health visitor came round to show me how to give my baby a massage!
