Paula Meier has done several studies about the accuracy of test weighs with
an electronic scale.  Our NICU nurses were opposed to the idea--I had them
"guess" how much a baby took at breast when a baby was test-weighed.  Were
they surprised when we were pretty consistently wrong at assessing the
amount!!  If they are so stressed by the "numbers" in breastfeeding, test
weights would be big help.  It will quatify intake and really does relieve
stress of mothers (and docs and nurses).  As far as the having a breast
before a bottle--does your unit do Kangaroo Care??  Many babies will wiggle
down to mother's (and father's) breast while lying there.  We incorporate
early breastfeeding as part of Kangaroo Care.  The only difference is the
angle--lying horizontally as opposed to vertically--and, instead of shoving a
pacifier in the baby's mouth for non-nutrtive sucking, baby can have mom.
The best part is, by the time we start breastfeeding teaching and start to
want to assess the amount that baby is taking, the mother knows how to hold
the baby properly in a good position for  both of them.  My best guess is
that long term breastfeeding rates are greater when mother feels comfortable
with breastfeeding prior to discharge.  As far as the scale--see if your
Medela rep can loan one to you for a month or so.  Good luck!  Maureen Allen
RN, BSN, IBCLC, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA

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