Oh I need to vent! Just had the health visitor round for the 1yr check, and she was a complete cow. My previous lovely HV has left and now I have a horrible one. I mentioned that I was feeling a bit down and hadn't managed to go to many groups (hoping that she would make some helpful suggestions), but instead she came away with "You need to stop breastfeeding TODAY, otherwise you'll end up with a precocious brat who runs around in restaurants". I politely pointed out that extended breastfeeding didn't lead to brattish behaviour, and she agreed, but she felt that H " ruled the roost". "As do all babies," I agreed. Health visitor appeared to think, however, that I need to discipline him more. She then proceeded to shout No at him as he tried to touch her diary, and picked him up and plopped him down elsewhere (are they allowed to do that??).
She thinks I should do controlled crying as sleep training ("gradual retreat takes forever"), and that baby led weaning was "a mistake". She is also concerned about his lack of babbling (he was babbling but she was so intent on forcing her sodding opinions, and by that point I was fed up arguing). Sigh. I could go on, but it makes me more upset/angry just thinking about it.
Anyway, she did helpfully offer to come to some groups with me to help me feel more confident. I'm thinking about taking her to my local extended breastfeeding group. What do you think?!
Sorry to hear about your mum, book. Hopefully she'll be on the mend soon.
Felix, the standing up in the cot is such a pain. It's bit of an issue for our sleep training atm. Patting the mattress seems to help him remember to lie down, as does singing lullabies (bad according to HV).
Nature, love hearing about your pregnancy updates! I remember the sleep insomnia so well!
Good luck, million!