Concerned first time mom

[Littlepip02]

Hi everyone.

This post is coming from a very concerned first time mommy, it's quite emotional for me to write this and acknowledge the fact that I think there is an issue but I suppose I'm just looking for some hope.

So from day one really my little boy has been difficult, constant crying/screaming all day every day, medication for reflux, trialled around 7 different milks/potential CMPA and etc, the first 8-9 months of his life I will say we're just awful and there was very little enjoyment in any of it.

So he is 16 months now, and for a very long time I'd say probably from 9 months I've had concerns regarding his development. These are some of my concerns

• No babbling what so ever, lots of ahhh and ooooh noises but nothing other than that.
• complete lack of understanding of anything I say, including the word no
• no pointing/waving (does follow where I'm pointing occasionally)
• no clapping/waving
• no eye contact
• doesn't acknowledge anyone at all, although is quite clingy at the same time I know that's confusing.
• doesn't respond to any facial gestures
• I find I'm unable to get his attention at all
• does play with his toys (although likes to flip them over and study them if you know what I mean? I know that could be completely normal)
• he can feed himself/isn't funny with textures
• not bothered at all by noise
• sleeps really well
• no peekaboo
• doesn't pass me toys or anything
• doesn't do any repetitive behaviours, he does like to rock bath and forth but it's usually when he's excited by something on the TV
• he is generally a very miserable child and moans a lot :-( he just doesn't seem to enjoy anything at all.

We have been referred to paediatrics, speech and language/specialist early years and his hearing test came back normal.

I'm really just putting this out there to see if there is anyone that's ever been in this situation and it's turned out to be nothing, maybe it's wishful thinking... thank you for reading this far I know it's long and any responses will be helpful I just can't help but worry every day x

This sounds so difficult. I have no expertise to offer but remember that every baby is different and will do things at different times. Have you seen any healthcare professionals apart from at the hearing test? What about the health visiting team?
I know exactly what you mean about worrying everyday. None of this changes how much you love him. It must be very hard because when things are tough it's the smiles and sounds that keep you smiling. I think he is just going at his own pace and is maybe a bit introverted, a deep thinker perhaps, and slightly serious! He will get there, try to trust him and yourself. You are doing an amazing job looking out for him and all his developmental changes.
Have you got any support? If not, get some somehow. I wonder if there are any parenting support groups near you or online... Stay strong Mama XxX

Thank you so much, I am very lucky in the sense my health visitor is fantastic, she calls me regularly and always chases the appointments.
I'm just waiting for speech and language now as paeds have declined to see him without a report from them.
You have described him perfectly to be honest, lol he is a serious little soul, and I think a very deep thinker.
Just got to hope that he is developing a little slower and that it'll all come eventually, but as you say it is hard 💔 thank you for your message x

And yes sorry, got plenty of support from partner and family they are all brilliant. I'm very lucky in that sense x