I know we have discussed the pros and cons before. Both sides of the
argument have merit, IMO> I'll give you a recent example. Mom with breast
reduction surgery. Family member is a friend so calls me because she is
worried baby not getting enough. Birthwt 7 lbs 14 oz, discharge wt 7 lbs 4
oz. Baby was day 5 with no stools in 48 hrs. Color very jaundiced. Was to
see pedi in 2 days. Parents felt baby was nursing well, other hcps telling
her there is no law that says a baby has to stool every day. They convinced
the mom to call me. I recommended hosp grade rental pump and
supplementation. I did not see the family, this was done over the phone. Mom
was able to pump 25 cc after 20 min total. As soon as supps were started the
baby pooped big time.
Now I really didn't NEED a scale. However, in the setting that I am in, in
the documentation crazy culture, and taking into account legal issues, my
credibility, etc, HAD I SEEN THIS DYAD in private practice or hospital, I
would have weighed the baby (altho I guarantee I could have seen that the
baby clinically looked bad), and done a pre and post feed wt.
I have posted before that many moms just need a little positioning
adjustment and no scales. Preemies, babies with heart defects, etc I do use
the scale and find it valuable in some situations. Maybe someday I won't. I
never say never, and I always say "live and learn."
Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA
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