Child and mum talking with health visitor

Health visiting service

The health visiting service provides a community public health service to children, young people and their families with a focus on early intervention and prevention, as well as promoting physical, emotional and social wellbeing. We work with local communities, the whole family, and individual children in different settings including homes,  clinics, children's centres & schools.

Health visitors work closely with other health services to ensure that children's health needs are met, and work with other non-health services to ensure that each and every child and young person lives and grows in a safe and healthy environment. We help support the health and wellbeing of your whole family, from antenatal visits up until your child goes to school.

We offer support and advice on the following:

  • child growth and development
  • immunisations
  • childhood illnesses and ailments
  • behavioural difficulties
  • breast feeding, introducing solids, infant feeding and any other feeding issues
  • bonding and attachment
  • postnatal depression
  • domestic violence
  • medical issues, child or family
  • children with additional needs
  • Safeguarding

The length of time a family receives support from the health visitor will depend on their individual circumstances and health needs.

Infant feeding useful links and resources

NHS Resources

Feeding your baby can feel quite overwhelming at first – whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both. We have lots of guidance to support you, along with hints and tips from other parents.

There is a lot of evidence to show how beneficial it is to breastfeed your baby, especially in the early weeks. However, it can take time to get the hang of, and there may be reasons why you cannot breastfeed. If you have any feeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor.

Start For Life - Bottle feeding

UNICEF Resources (Available in 11 languages)

Here are a range of resources on infant feeding, relationship building, as well as information on common breastfeeding challenges:

UNICEF - Support for parents

UNICEF - Benefits of breastfeeding

UNICEF - Breastfeeding in the UK

Global Health Media Resources

Here you will find short engaging videos to understand and remember critical points when breastfeeding (available in over 30 languages). Click here to watch a video about 'Attaching your baby to the breast'.

Websites

Helplines

  • National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212
  • Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300 330 5453
  • La Leche League: 0345 120 2918
  • National childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300 300 0700
  • The Breatfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300 456 2421

 

 

Barking and Dagenham Local Offer

The Barking and Dagenham Local Offer website helps children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities and their families find the information and support they are looking for, from across the Barking and Dagenham local area.

Home - Barking and Dagenham SEND Local Offer (lbbd.gov.uk)