6-8 week review

Your 6-8 week visit will take place in your home and the health visitor will send you an appointment letter in the post. The visit is a great opportunity to discuss any worries or concerns you or your partner may have. 

You may be asked to complete a questionnaire called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) this will give the heath visitor an early indication of any signs of post-natal depression.

As with previous visits the health visitor will discuss ways to support your baby’s physical and emotional development, discussing how to understand your baby and what to expect at this stage.

You will begin to see changes in your baby, they will be more interested in the world around them, they may start to smile and coo. Building up on tummy time will be encouraged. This is a great way to help strengthen your baby’s muscles and give them another view of the world!

You will be due an appointment with your GP for a postnatal check-up. This is a good opportunity to discuss contraception (you are fertile again 21 days after giving birth).

Your baby will also be due a GP check-up. This will be like the physical examination they received in hospital. At 8 weeks old (not before) your baby will be due their first immunisations (injections) which will take place at your GP surgery.

Research suggests an infant’s crying can peak at 6-8 weeks and this can be upsetting and frustrating. Your health visitor will discuss ways and techniques to help soothe your baby. Generally, babies will cry less and less each week after hitting this peak.

The health visitor will weigh your baby at the visit and discuss any concerns you have in relation to their progress. As health visitors we understand every child’s journey is unique.

We will discuss general health information including:

• Becoming a parent
• Infant feeding
• Safe sleeping
• Accident prevention
• Immunisations
• Stopping smoking
• Diet and exercise.