Melissa asked about the Sheffield birth score.  My understanding is that it
was developed in England as a way to identify babies at risk for SIDS.  I
don't think it accomplished this particular goal, but it did serve to
identify babies at risk for health problems.  West Virginia has had a High
Birth Score Program in place for several years now--nearly all babies born in
WV are scored at birth--and the infant mortality rate has indeed dropped
rather significantly.  Babies who fall into the high score range are seen at
two extra pediatric visits in the first six months and one extra in the last
six months of the first year.  I don't know how the factors are weighted, or
why one factor has so much more significance than another, but I do know the
program works.  Incidentally, as far as breastfeeding is concerned, the
question relates to the mother's stated intention re feeding method.  If the
mother says she will breastfeed exclusively, it is zero points--whether or
not she follows through with her intention.  Figure that one out!

Judy D