Hv 'gravely concerned' about dds speach..

[Stretchmarksarethenewblack]

Just that really. Dd had her 1 year review (at 15 months) yesterday. She understands loads and I do give her a commentary of our day to day things but she just doesn't say anything. Well she can say mama and dada... Are there any ways I can encourage her to say more things?? My Hv hates me because I ignored her 'advice' of stopping bf at 6 months so feel like I can't do anything right by her.. Any help please!!? Xx

Ignore her?

You don't have to see the HV if you don't find her helpful.

What did she suggest you do about her speech?

I would just carry on doing as you are doing

Does she babble?

I maybe wrong but have you ever met anyone who can't talk?

Your DD sounds completely normal. Please do not worry at all. Your hv sounds like a right 'un. Ignore her.

HV sounds very odd. This seems v normal to me - I know some babies can say all sorts but mine couldn't. DD didn't even babble much. She started saying actual words at 2. DS babbled more so I thought he would talk earlier but no - 2 for him as well.

My mum, not a world authority on children's speech development but a good voice of reason to anxious mums (ie me) used to say "children walk reliably anywhere between 1 and 2 and talk reliably anywhere between 2 and 3" and I still think that seems right. The 21 month old we do a nanny share with can't say much and I always think he's very bright and developing very well - he can say ok, thank you, mama, dada and hello.

Sounds pretty normal to me. Ignore the HV. Its surprising how quickly they start to pick words up. Don't think DS even said mama or Dada at that age. 21 months now and has picked up loads more words.

Yes, ignore her. As long as your DD is understanding language, then at this age it doesn't make sense for you HV to be concerned. DS understood everything, but only really babbled until he was two. And then almost overnight he was speaking in full sentences. My HV was never worried ( I did ask) because he could clearly understand what was being said to him

My DS barely uttered a sound until he was two and now has a phenomenal vocab, my DD who is nearly 2 babbles but nothing too coherent apart from "No mummy." I'm sure you talk to her lots and explain what you are doing etc.

What does the HV suggest?

Ds1 could say mama dada and bye at 15 months

Ds2 could speak in short (3-4 word) sentences at 15 months

Dd can say hiya mama dada more dinner (15 months)

They are all different. As long as your dc are making some attempt at making sounds I wouldn't be overly concerned

Yeah she babbles away. Hv is the most unhelpful person I have met. When dd was born she tutted and rolled her eyes when I asked for help with her latch, she tuts when she weighs dd (she is petite on the 2nd centile but has been since she was born) and likes to go on about her day and when mothers had more organisation with schedules/ routine. I don't know why I take it so personally really as she hasn't had any experience as a mother..

Sonlypuppyfat

Can you clarify what you mean?

You know that there are children who either never develop speech or who have significantly delayed speech right through to adulthood, surely?
My son is 17 and has less functional speech than an average 5 year old.

Hv didn't suggest anything.. 'Ill be back in a week to see if there's been any improvement...'

Op just be glad you have now reached the time where you need to see her less!

And wtf does she expect to see in a week!

Improvement in a week?!? I believe Einstein made that kind of progress but he was about 5 or 6 at the time!

She does sound bats. Consider a trip to the GP if you can be bothered otherwise I would just carry on regardless. Certainly don't waste your time with another visit by/to the HV.

Sounds like HV should retire!

She insisted on coming every other day when dd was born because she doesn't think bf was a reliable way of feeding a baby. She is very old and should retire I think! I'm finally getting more assertive with her but I wish I had the guts before now. Dd is blind in one eye so she links that to everything. Like her being born small and remaining on the second centile is because of the visual problem..(????!!!)

If your not happy op then I would ring up and ask for another hv

She sounds an interfering moo and I bet you wouldn't have been the first to think so

Tbh I think you should complain about your hv!

I don't think you actually have to see a HV. Just don't take her back if you don't find it helpful. Your DD sounds just fine. 15 months is way too young for any speech concerns. You know if she is eating and growing ok,you don't need to weigh her to know that. You also know if she is understanding some of what you say and responding to you etc.

she's coming to your house? Sod that for a laugh. Ring the surgery and say you don't need any more visits and if you have any questions you'll make an appointment.

She sounds rubbish.

I'll comment on this just to add to the numbers saying ignore!

Babbling and saying dada was all my two did at that age- both have developed normally.

Strange comments from hv..