Things I wish my Health Visitor had said ...

[morningpaper]

(This is a thread for Amanda and any other health visitors out there.)

Things I wish my Health Visitor had said:

"You're doing a really good job!"

"Don't worry too much about the charts."

"Not all babies are interested in solids at six months."

"I think it's great that you continuing to breastfeed past six months."

"You're such a good mum!"

Your child looks really contented I can see you have his best interests at heart.
All babies are different and really should be treated as such.
How are you feeling?
Can I do anything else to help you?
I will with a midwife come out and chat with you over your birth experience.
These things have been said to me by my HV.

Things my old HV used to tell me.
"You should be doing this, you should be doing that, you should be doing the other.....

"You're doing such a good job!"

"if you want to wait till six months to wean him that's fine" (after all, only in accordance with DOH guidance.....)

"you shouldn't have any problems going to Surestart groups/classes even if you are outside the area and even if you do, I can refer you"

"here is a copy of the local Surestart timetable for this term"

"Sorry for treading dog muck all over your hall, dining room and lounge carpet, as if you haven't enough to do with two newborns".

"No we won't take baby a way because your are depressed and feel you can't cope"

First HV was so unhelpfull and made me feel worse. I just smiled sweetly until she left then started crying again. No reassurance that I was doing anything right.