Another mini rant about UK breast feeding stats... indulge me...

[Jocasta]

I had the HV round today for CBT for me but I asked her to weigh Mae as I hadn't felt able to get to the clinic.  Mae is currently 13lb 2oz.  I was a little concerned as she started on the 98th, went down to the 91st and is now on the 75th!  The HV explained that the chart in the red book is for FF infants and that the breastfeeding specific growth charts aren't put in the book as "it'd just be a waste of paper..."  Crikey!

She did point out the lovely smooth line of Mae's growth and said that it's perfect and there's nothing to worry about!

[EllenS]

Hey, at least she knew that much!  From some of the horror stories I've heard on this board, there are quite a few HV's who are partly responsible for the low rates!

[woopster]

Jo, I've had the same problem with the King and his weight charts.  I keep telling his consultant that the books are for ff babies and aren't relevant to him. (I'd rather he was off the bf charts, it might not look so bad then!)

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

My HV told me that if i wanted to print off a BFing chart she would be happy to fill that one in instead. Do you think your one would do the same?

Kate x

[Samuel's mum]

I'm actually quite impressed your HV even knew that.
I often find myself telling HVs that the charts are from ff baby statistics and having a 'ooooh really?' reaction. There is some talk the red books will be nationally updated but it all comes down to money. sigh.

[Jocasta]

I'm actually quite impressed your HV even knew that.
I often find myself telling HVs that the charts are from ff baby statistics and having a 'ooooh really?' reaction. There is some talk the red books will be nationally updated but it all comes down to money. sigh.

I love my HV!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now if you told me a year ago that I'd EVER say something like that (let alone write it down as proof of the notion ), I'd have laughed hysterically at you!

[Samuel's mum]

It is very nice to hear positive HV stories. I'm feeling pretty miserable about them after kittysmum's story.

[Jocasta]

Tell me about it!  My last HV told me when Sophie was 7weeks old that she thought Sophie was autistic!!!  My Nan had died the day before so I was just a complete wreck!  Stupid woman! 

It's amazing that the healthcare "professionals" that new mums come most in contact with are the least educated - how on Earth does that make sense?!?!?

[15milner]

Ditto Emma - I can't believe that Health visitors can advise people on feeding their newborn baby and they've only had about 10hours of bf training.  

Thank goodness we have trained breastfeeding councillors like you.  

[Samuel's mum]

Alex - thank you my love. It's sad how few people know we are out here though. The lack of advertising for the new national helpline is a joke.
I just don't get our system here. It makes me literally shake my head in dismay. There are angels out there but it seems pure luck.
The basic training has sooo little about breastfeeding yet all that they seem to do all day is frontline feeding advice and dealing with weight gain issues. On my counsellor yahoo group there are HVs putting themselves through counsellor training - why isn't it a requirement? Or at least offer higher pay grades to those who will do it. What a difference that would make.

[15milner]

What new national helpline!!!?  For breastfeeding? who's running it??

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Totaly agree Emma. I found that in my hospital they they are very pro BFing but when you leave hospital what do you do?? Thats why i would like to do the training for myself so that my area can be better educated into BF long term.

I learn something new on this site every day and every day i want to find out more from different peoples experiences.

Kate x

[Purplecattypants]

My red book says "breast from birth" at the top of the growth chart....bit misleading??!!

[*Nicola*]

We were offered the BFing charts at our first HV meeting.

Our HV is a year older than us (so 32ish) and she is fab.  Very clued up on current recommendations/reflux/weaning advice and extrememly supportive.  Thank goodness!

[Maffoos mummy]

Arrgghhh to the growth charts,but glad you've got a nice HV Jo!!xxx