It is my understanding that a 24-hour set of readings (one for each breast
at each feeding) should be done. As you know, cream content tends to vary
throughout the 24-hour day, just as does volume per feed.  When you do it,
draw from a mixed (gentle spinning) sample for milk and read for each
breast separately.

Then look at range of variation throughout the 24 hour day. Readings I have
taken (for other research) have ranged from a low of 2% to a high of 17%
(the latter is nearly twice the yuppiest of ice creams, such as Ben and
Jerry's, which usually runs at around 10%).  Keep in mind that low counts
may not necessasrily answer the question you are asking, for the babies in
my study with very low maternal cream levels all were growing quite
adequatley. In fact, at 4 months, one could NOT predict maternal
creamatocrit levels by looking at infant weights.

Good luck in determining problem.  Will you also be doing a prolactin
level? that, too, requires at least 3 readings in a day. If you want more
info on that, write me privately.



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 %% "We are all faced with a series of great opportunities      %%
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 %% Kathleen G. Auerbach,PhD, IBCLC - [log in to unmask]          %%
 %% Homewood, Illinois USA                                      %%

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