Q:My 2-year-old's speech is quite behind that of his peers (he can only say 'mama','dada' and a few other simple words).Our health visitor's recommended speech therapy,but my partner doesn't want to do it and thinks I'm over-reacting.What should I do?

A:You have picked up on your child's need for some support with his language development nice and early.The sooner he receives therapy the better,as it will help in all areas of his communications,relieving frustration,minimising tantrums,helping his social skills and readiness for school.Speech therapy is delivered in a way that suits the individual child,usually in a group session with other children and is often enjoyable.Try and involve your partner by getting him to call the speech therapist or health visitor to discuss his concerns.Encourage him to attend a session and see how it all works.Your child may only need a short period of therapy and you'll receive some tips on how to help at home,too.

Q:Trying to keep everyone happy is making me feel overwhelmed.My baby won't sleep,my partner works all hours and I feel isolated from my friends.I spend large parts of the day crying.Help!

A:Firstly,you musn't be responsible for anyone except yourself and your baby.Talk to your health visitor about how you're feeling,as he or she can help you manage your baby's sleep routine.Some of these feelings are normal as you get to grips with being a mum,but it could indicate that your mood is low and you need support.
 Making new friends with women in the same situation will relieve some of the isolation you feel.Even though it's hard when confidence is low,try new mum groups at children's centres.And talk to your partner about how you feel.It'll be another important step in making things better for the whole family.

Q:My baby has been diagnosed with reflux and prescribed medication.How else can we help him?

A:Dealing with reflux can be tough for the whole family,but medicines and adapting some of your routines can have a positive outcome.
To ease things a little,try:
*Keeping your baby upright in feeds and for around 30 minutes after to help prevent acid coming up.
*Elevating the head of his cot by 30' by putting something under the legs of the cot.This minimises the impact of acid regurgitation.
*Small,frequent feeds,especially if he's sick,as he'll feel hungry quickly.
*Slow,calm feeding with frequent stops to allow burping.
*Avoid your tot slumping over in car seats as this can compress the abdomen.
*Avoiding tight elastic on clothing around the tummy or putting nappies on too tight.

Q:My baby bay has been breastfed for eight months and now refuses to take a bottle or sippy cup.I'm worried that he doesn't eat enough solid food and he's not getting enough milk from me.Any advise?

A:From around 6 months babies are generally ready for more solid foods.The best option is to maintain a relaxed approach to food,but consistent.Your milk supply will increase the more you offer,but keep your baby's options open by offering finger foods,a small baby spoon and let him try suitable foods from your plate.Realistically,in the beginning he may just squish,smell,hold and lick food before any of it's actually eaten.This is all a normal,healthy approach and an important step in weaning,so give lots of smiles and positive eye contact.Once he's taking some foods,include the recommended vitamin drops ( vitamins A,B,C and D from your chemist) in it too.Keep going with a feeder beaker filled with water by showing him how to do it,and eventually he will try it himself.

Q:I'm 8 weeks pregnant and suffering awful nausea,which makes commuting really difficult.How much longer will it last?

A:Feeling sick can be as bad as actually being sick,and is quite draining in the early weeks.For some of it continues throughout,but for the majority it gets better by the 12-week stage.Nausea is often worse when blood sugar is low,so do eat little and often - having breakfast before leaving house.
   Tiredness makes it worse,so grab a nap or go to bed early.Also,try to alter work hours to avoid travelling during the time you feel most ropey.Mints can help too,so keep a packet in your bag,and try acupressure bands.These wristbands have a 'button' which,when pressed,apply pressure to the part linked with sickness.Used by travellers,they're available from most chemists.

Q:My midwife said she could give me an internal to start labour if I go past my due date.How does it work?

A:What she's referring to is a stretch and sweep.This is offered if your due date comes and goes,as it can kick start labour and reduces the likelihood of being induced.Your midwife can do this in the clinic or at home - it shouldn't feel painful,but may be a bit uncomfortable.She'll ask you to lie down before placing two fingers into the vagina.One then goes inside the cervix,making a circular motion to 'stretch' it so she can 'sweep' a finger around the bag holding the water (the membranes).
   If this doesn't start labour,you could repeat the process,but leave it at least 48 hours.Remember,a full-term pregnancy can last up to 42 weeks and most women only go into labour when ready.

Q:I'd like to deliver my placenta naturally.Can I choose to,or will I have to have the injection?

A:Whether or not you have the injection will probably depend on the type of birth you have.If it's natural one,you might like to complete the process without the injection,but it usually takes longer for the placenta to be delivered in this way.However,once your baby is born he'll stay attached by cord and get a boost of oxygen and blood through it,until it stops pulsating after about 20 minutes.The placenta takes around an hour to separate,and your body will produce natural bonding hormones (oxytocin),boosted by holding and looking at your baby while he's still attached.the hormones cause the uterus to contract,and the placenta will separate and come away.
   If you've had intervention such as forceps,ventouse,an epidural or you're anaemic,you'll be advised to have an injection of syntometrine and the placenta will come away in around 10 minutes.