Carol says:

>there are LCs (in my area) who believe it is necessary to do a test weigh
>(before and after nursing) of EVERY mom/baby dyad they see.

Really?  But what are they looking for?  "Adequate"  intake in terms of
volume? And how do they define that, knowing (as they must do)  that  it is
normal for the amount of milk to differ from feed to feed, and for the
calorific value to differ from feed to feed, and knowing (as they must do)
that this baby could wake up in 20 minutes (or less, or more) and have some
more.....

>what, but i have been criticized for believing that test weighing is an
>invasive procedure and should be used when needed.

Of course it is invasive. But test weighing pushes my buttons, so I'm bound
to agree with you, Carol : )
>

>don't think it is warranted. who said moms look at the weigh in as an exam
>they are afraid they will fail? ever so true.

And it's also true that in the UK, where health care at baby clinics is
free, and available as a 'drop in' everywhere but the most rural (and even
in rural areas, there are mobile clinics), and home visits are normal
(though less common these days)...mothers are sometimes too scared to go to
the clinic because they are worried about the weighing (fortunately, test
weighing is almost never done now, except in extreme situations).  Mothers
call volunteer counsellors, fretting about an up-coming clinic visit,
because of what the scales will say....only too aware that in the wrong
hands, this may take precedence over any other sign of health, development,
and 'competence' as a mother.

I even felt it myself with my first two - even though I could see my
gorgeous babies were thriving and I knew bf was going well. The anxiety as
they were placed on the scales was acute.  My third baby never went to the
clinic at all except for immunisations.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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