When pregnant with Erin (as with the other two) we choose not to have any tests other than the basics. I refused some of the blood tests and to us that was our decision. We knew nothing would change regarding a pregnancy (even if something was wrong) and we would just have months of worry. I am not in any known risk groups so did not feel the need for tests.
I think as a parent you learn to listen to an inner voice that is your instinct. I am at the moment listening to that voice all the more and am trying very hard to keep a sense of perspective. As many of you know Erin at nineteen months is still not walking. Yes I wish she was, but in my heart I don’t believe there is anything physically wrong. I am trying to trust my instincts. We also have a hearing test next week followed by speech therapy the next. Again I am not sure why the health visitor is taking us down this path as nursery and me do not suspect any problems. Erin hears me well enough if she is even in another room. As for speaking Erin says what she wants when she wants. She is a very expressive and loving little girl who cuddles, kisses and waves at all.
As a parent I think it is very hard when professionals are judging our babies on milestones in a book. I am going to the appointments as I never want to be accused of not taking her to appointments that have been reccommended but I don’t want a battery of tests I would just rather parents were encouraged to listen to their own inner voice.
4 Responses
Apparently my brother in law didn’t walk until he was 2, just got up one day and did it, when he wanted to. Trust your instincts you are quite right. There is definitely too much pressure on doing things by a certain age, don’t be daunted by professional peer pressure. Wishing you all the very best
Frog
x
Thanks for the comment and taht is how I feel. x
A friend’s son did not start walking until he was almost 20 months, had speech problems and could not really speak until he started school. Now at 6 and half years old, he is running around like the rest of his peers and you cannot shut him up! Kids develop at their own pace and Erin will get there when she is ready.
With all these markers that we are forced to achieve with our children makes them grow up quicker than they should – then we moan they are growing up too quickly! By the time they all start school they are at the same level. Let’s just let kids be kids and experience what we did when we were their age. We didn’t have all the performance markers and we all turned out OK… didn’t we??! :OP x
Best of luck with it all.
Even though they save our lives everyday, the medical profession annoys me frequently. You have my full sympathy sweetheart.
I hope it all works out for the best.
Lots of love,
Liska x