Hi Furkids,
Sounds like you have a very pushy MCHN! What right has she to tell you that the hammock is "bad" if your DS sleeps better in it - also meaning YOU get more rest too!
We purchased the Amby hammock at about 8 weeks as DS has reflux,did the screaming when laid down flat, catnapping etc also. Was not a miracle cure but certainly better than what we had been doing. I have recently been to NorthPark mother/baby unit as I was at wits end with the sleep issues and DS was not a "happy" catnapper (would wake up screaming). I am also totally against CC and was very nervous about going as I had a bad experience at a day stay elsewhere. I was very relieved to find them really great. They do not do CC even in older bubs and are very gentle with both the babies AND mothers. I see you are in Melbourne so might be worth considering if you think you need help - but don't go anywhere just because others think your son has a problem. if its not a probllem for you and he is happy then I wouldn't worry.
I won't say DS is "cured" of sleep problems but we defnitely got some improvement after our stay and all without tears ( well none that he wouldn't have shed had he been at home!). His day sleeps are MUCH better - often up to 1.5-2hrs. Although still needing me to help resettle, at least we CAN get past the 45min mark and he certainly wakes up a far happier boy for the extra sleep.
I did want to use my hammock at the hospital and I think they would have let me but I decided to give the cot a try whilst I had the support. We had no problems really at all and he now has most of his sleeps at home in the cot, although I still use the hammock as I want him to still be comfortable in it for using if we go away.
Given your DS has reflux, have you tried raising the head end of the cot?
On suggestion from the hospital, I also now sleep DS on his left side (propped by rolled up towels). This seemed to make a big difference to his comfort and ability to sleep so maybe worth a try if you do want to try the cot again.
Otherwise, I'd just keep using the hammock as long as you need to and ignore any comments from people who are NOT your son's mother!!