So I understand the purpose of the milestones. They are important to watch for potential developmental issues. But I realized there were times where I become so focused on the milestones, I got anxiety. Which didn’t even make sense since my son was hitting them before he was supposed to. All of them except his speech. So I got even worse anxiety and eventually reached out to a pediatrician near me. My son has a regular one but she’s 4 hours away. I really just wanted to ask some questions. I talked to the doctor about my concerns and his response was that he son was very verbally delayed and we needed to be worried. My son is one. He makes sounds and can say mom. He understands what I say to him. He will bring me stuff or put stuff away if I ask. He will even bring me specific colored items like his blue blocks if I ask. But he does say words. He indicates and everything else so I know he’s trying to figure it out. But this doctor almost took away everything he tried to do and has done and just said I need to worry. I was in tears on and off for a week. I wound up making an appointment with his regular pediatrician. I talked to her about my concerns and what the previous doctor said. Her response was that we don’t need to worry. Yes he is behind with hitting the milestone but it’s okay. She let me know we will watch it and if there are really no improvements by 18 months, we will get some testing done. She wants to look into hearing and autism testing. The biggest thing she told me is to not worry because no matter what happens, we will have a plan. She also reminded me, he’s developing during covid where there is not a lot of the same social interactions that kids normally have.

I mostly wanted to post this because if any of you are like me and get anxious about the milestones, find a pediatrician you can talk to. Find one that will make sure you don’t ever leave scared and in tears. And try not to get anxious about the milestones. Every kid is different and they develop as they’re ready to. But seriously, find a doctor that is going to work with you if things do come up. The difference in how I felt leaving both these offices is insane.