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Does anyone remember Dr Hugh Jolly?

(58 Posts)
Daddima Sat 25-May-24 15:32:46

I remember watching him when my children were babies, and really liking him. Things I remember were that he said babies didn’t need to be ‘winded’, that teething didn’t cause all the things attributed to it, and that there was no such thing as colic!
I looked on Amazon for his book, but it was around £70 for a second hand one ( surely a mistake?)

Calendargirl Sat 25-May-24 15:35:49

They do need to be winded.

So-called experts.

Aveline Sat 25-May-24 15:55:23

Bottle fed babies need to be winded I gather. I never had to wind my two.

J52 Sat 25-May-24 16:24:53

I remember him, I think I did have his book. ( should have kept it!). He was head to head with Penelope Leech, who’s advice was more laid back.

Aldom Sat 25-May-24 16:28:06

What era was Dr. Jolly?

Pantglas2 Sat 25-May-24 16:30:18

I remember that book and that breast fed babies did not need winding as there’s no air in a breast but there is in a bottle and that’s the reason Aveline.

There might be some truth in it because nobody winds a baby on solids do they?

MissAdventure Sat 25-May-24 16:32:00

We are one of the only countries that wind our babies.
No source, I just remember reading it a good few times in the past.

Aveline Sat 25-May-24 16:42:08

Pantglas I know!!

Primrose53 Sat 25-May-24 16:53:47

I had his book in 1980.

rubysong Sat 25-May-24 16:54:58

He delivered one of my nieces. My sister didn't like him. I can't remember why. I had the book, but the one I remember most was Penelope Leach.

BlueBelle Sat 25-May-24 16:56:55

Haven’t heard of him but I know colic exists so I wouldn’t bother with him

M0nica Sat 25-May-24 16:57:48

I didn't buy any baby books. Dr Spock was the reigning guru when I had children.

MissAdventure Sat 25-May-24 17:04:10

All of these things circle in and out of current thinking.
At one time, parents were advised never to pick up their child, no spoiling or cuddling, strict routines.

Then it was turn your whole home into a playground and allow your child to sleep where they nodded off (presumably at 4am).

mumofmadboys Sat 25-May-24 17:17:26

I loved Penelope Leach's approach. I remember she said having a second child was a bit like a DH bringing home a second wife and saying you are so lovely I decided to have a second one as well!!

MissAdventure Sat 25-May-24 17:18:30

grin

Aldom Sat 25-May-24 17:53:34

Thank you Primrose I was a mum twenty years before Dr. Jolly 's book.
As mentioned earlier, Dr. Spock was in vogue then. I found his opening sentence reassuring.' You know more than you think you know.'
My dear MiL swore by Truby King. 1930's.

Calipso Sat 25-May-24 17:56:57

I remember that too mumofmadboys. Penelope Leach was my go-to for sensible advice.

I don't especially remember Hugh Jolly but I guess he will have been like many of that era - gave out advice with great confidence that had no sound evidence to back it up.

MissAdventure Sat 25-May-24 17:57:01

Was it King who recommended shaking hands with your child rather than hugging them?

Primrose53 Sat 25-May-24 18:00:42

I think he wrote a book with Dr Miriam Stoppard too. She was very popular in the 80s.

MissAdventure Sat 25-May-24 18:03:21

I never had time to read a book.
Up to my elbows in sodden nappies, I was lucky if I go dressed some days.

kittylester Sat 25-May-24 18:10:42

Dr Spock was my guru!

Ladyleftfieldlover Sat 25-May-24 18:18:37

I can’t remember why, it was a long time ago, but my Health Visitor told me throw away Penelope Leach’s book!

Georgesgran Sat 25-May-24 18:21:33

Miriam Stoppard (a Newcastle lady) was so glamorous. She’s 87 now. I always thought she talked sense.

Marthjolly1 Sat 25-May-24 18:42:41

I read every word of Dr Jollys book during my pregnancy in 1977. Colic certainly does exist. Poor little baby was constantly crying. 'She needs feeding ' said the health visitor even though I'd just fed her. At the clinic they just rolled their eyes. Meanwhile poor little thing just couldn't settle. I was distraught. I went to the doctor. He immediately prescribed merbentyl. Success with the first dose. Although I understand it can no longer be given to babies under 6 months confused

OldFrill Sat 25-May-24 18:44:04

I discovered very quickly that my babies had not read the same books as me.