Between days 10 and 14 after the birth of your baby your health visitor will arrange to visit you at home to complete your baby’s new birth visit and the Newborn Behavioural Observation (NB0).
NBO allows parents to explore their baby’s individual behaviour alongside the Health Visitor. A newborn baby’s method of communication is their behaviour and taking time to observe and understand these signs , movement and response means understanding what the baby is saying.
We hope that understanding your baby’s behaviour and responding to their needs will enhance your relationship and your sense of confidence as a parent.
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-5 years called ChatHealth. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a health visitor within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the service reopens.
Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.