Similarly to Onyx and PZ - I go because it makes me feel good about how I am doing IYKWIM.
I also like to know how they are going in their growth etc.
And lastly, it is good to be able to see someone that is more independent than a GP that can put a bit of a monitor on my mental health.
On top of that the first two visits so far she has been able to help me talk through the birth of DD, and that was invaluable.
I do tend to not tell them things they don't want to hear - my current one would not support co-sleeping for example.
So I don't tell her about it. The way I do it (when I need to) is safe, so I am not worried.
She is a lactation consultant so I know that I don't need to worry about BFing, it also means I know where I can access one if and when necessary.
My last one thought bLS was great so that was reassuring for me.
Also some MCH centres, depending on the local council organise mum's groups.
My one doesn't, absolutely shattered as I am too anxious to just rock up to a playgroup to meet people.
I took DD to all the appts up until whichever age the one is before the 18 months one...? When I took DS to his 6 week check she noticed DD hadn't had it and did the check then, even though she was over 25 months my then. I had DS's 8 month check booked a few weeks ago, but when I got there the doors were locked and no one was there I haven't called to rebook and don't think I will. I have always dreaded going cause she is rather strange and I find her really patronising, but kept going cause I felt like people would think I was a bad mother if I didn't go to the check ups. I think I will take this last situation as a reason not to go back. If I have any concerns with their development I will take them to the GP.
With DD1 the MCHN that we saw was a moron and potentially dangerous for families that were suffering mental illness (she made comments to me that PND doesnt exist, that it's just an excuse for parents to hurt their children ).
With DD2 we had moved and so had a new MCHN, she was lovely and we got on great guns, but then she moved and i got an old school lady that had issues with us having a HB, doing BLS and using amber teething necklaces lol. so we stopped bothering as we werent really getting anything from her. no support, or relevant information.
My first MCHN always made me feel like crap and whenever I mentioned anything I was concerned about she automatically directed me to groups like Panda etc because we had lost a baby before DD. IF she actually bothered to listen she would have known I was concerned about THIS baby and some early issues we had with her
Then I found out through a friend who lives int he neighbouring Shire and she said how fab her MCHN was so I made an appointment with her and it turned out I actually knew the MCHN from my time in hossy with my first baby. She knew my history and was able to address any concerns I had so I have never looked back.
I ONLY see her for DD but if it hadn't been for finding her I wouldn't have gone the MCHN in my closest town again and now I JUST go into the Drs for DD's jabs as the nurse in there is lovely too.
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I haven't called to rebook and don't think I will. I have always dreaded going cause she is rather strange and I find her really patronising, but kept going cause I felt like people would think I was a bad mother if I didn't go to the check ups. I think I will take this last situation as a reason not to go back. If I have any concerns with their development I will take them to the GP.
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