Hi Helena, so sorry to hear about your family's hurtful attitude. I know how much those comments make you hurt & angry, especially when you KNOW you are doing the right thing. Just cling to that idea.
BTW the American Academy of Pediatrics say that for health reasons ALL children should ideally be cared for only with their siblings until age 5!
I often quote that to people...not that anyone pays attention to it!...and I know that some mums do have to use a day care. Not to be critical of them--just that my children's continued good health is one factor in my caring for them.
You asked about DD walking....Gemma is not walking yet....she is 10.5 months and loves to kneel, which I think is so funny, and does lots of crawling & pulling up. My bigger boys all crawled at 6-7 months, walked at 11.5-12.5 months, but none were prem. Crawling is so good for brain development that I wouldn't care if she crawled for 6 more months.
Carrie, during my last 2 pregnancies I asked for earlier and more frequent antenatal visits because I needed the reassurance. Mostly just talking to the midwife and doctor & having a quick listen to the heart. If you think it would help then that might be an option. With Gemma I went fortnightly from 11-12 weeks on.