Imogen is coming up for the grand age of 6 months. Personally, I can't believe I've made it this far without some form of mental breakdown or gone loopy due to lack of sleep. But here we are. 6 months. I've learnt a lot in these 6 months, I have learnt how to survive on approx 2 hours sleep, how to breast-feed and use the lap-top at the same time, how to get a boob out in public without being charged with Indecent Exposure and how to use a Wrap Sling. Amazing achievements I think.
When she gets to this mile-stone we have to trail down to the Health Visitor and get our "6 month review" What a fucking total waste of time. I'm sure there are HEAPS of fantastic HV's out there who give perfect advice, listen, are up to date with everything and even know about baby-led weaning. Sadly, mine don't.
We arrive at the surgery and they are running late. Nothing unusual there. Imogen is not the most patient person in the world, so after about 10 mins of waiting she starts to let the whole surgery know that she's well and truly pissed off with the delay. Eventually, after a 30 min wait, we are seen. In we go, Imogen raging at the HV for keeping us waiting. Then she has to be stripped naked to get weighed. Imogen HATES getting naked, she hates getting dressed and undressed. She's already in a bad mood - now she's just going to erupt.
"Ooooh she's a wild one!" is the comment from the HV. Yes, yes she is. I plonk her naked self onto the scales - she reacts as if I've placed her on a bed of needles. Sigh. After that drama she then has to get her length taken and head circumference measured. Once all that is done I can get her dressed. More screeching.
So, all the checks are done and now we have a wee chat. How lovely. She runs over the usual questions regarding weaning (all fine), rolling (yes), sitting up (yes), babbling (yes - when not crying), reaching out (yes) and then sleeping (no). No? No. I tell the HV my sleeping woes, she doesn't sleep. I'm up 4-6 times a night normally, she hardly naps during the day, I've tried loads of techniques. I'm exhausted. The HV nods sympathetically and offers the following wonderful advice "she'll do it one day" Sorry, what? That's my advice "she'll do it one day"? and when, exactly, would this day be? Sigh.
We get our free books and beaker - so not a wasted journey. We also get a free CD - the HV helpfully points out the relaxing music at the end of the CD that we can listen to together, to help us relax and help Imogen sleep. I nearly ram it in her gob, but I don't. I nod and smile.
The next time we have to go back is when she is a year old, so she can get a needle rammed in her thigh. I think I'll take my ear-plugs....
You have to wonder with some HVs really, had loads see V but only one actually managed to get her to stop the crying. V hates the weigh-in too, its a nightmare isn't it? I take it she's progressing ok though?
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed they didn't help with the sleep though. I mean V isn't great, but they did suggest a few things for her, I just haven't done them!
Total sympathy on the sleep love xxx