In a message dated 10/21/98 1:28:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
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 Do health visitors exist anywhere else?


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Heather,
I am a visiting nurse in a maternal and childhealth program. I visit
moms/babies and children up to the age of 18. I see many mothers and babies
for a variety of reasons, early discharge, premature babies, Hiv mom/babies,
drug addicted babies, antepartum moms with gestational diabetes, postpartum
moms who might have a complication such as high blood pressure, or an open
wound from a c/section. When I go in to make a home visit, I take a history,
vital signs on mom and baby, including weights. I do a lot of breastfeeding
support, instruction and encouragement. I teach about baby care, skin care,
bathing baby, birth control, etc.  If I see a baby that is developmentally
delayed or is at risk for delays, would refer that baby to an early
intervention program. I follow mom and baby for 2 to 8 weeks, more if
necessary. Unfortunately, the number of visits depends on the insurance and
billing. If they have managed care, I may not be able to do as many visits as
I would like. If they have medicaid (government funded medical insurance) I
can visit as long as I can justify the visits.
I have been a visiting nurse for the last 19 years, I am doing what I always
wanted to do, work with mothers and babies.
Roni M. Chastain, RN ,LCCE, FACCE
Long Island, New York