this is a belief that seems to support so much of what is done with and to
preemies, the idea that they "must" grow at intrauterine growth rates or
there is something wrong. this is given as the requirement, but i am
wondering what the basis is for this practice. i also had the impression that
this is not the normal requirement in other countries. is this so?

i understand some of the rationales for this growth rate, one being that
babies grow faster and "catch up" more quickly, and thus get out of the
hospital sooner, which has benefits other than just cost savings, but it is
usually always at the cost of successful breastfeeding. what is the basis for
expecting intrauterine growth rates? i know in sweden this is not the norm, i
don't see any negative outcomes reported, and in fact quite the contrary,
breastfeeding outcomes are much, much better (they don't send a baby home
until feeding is well established, and they don't mean from a bottle either).
so what is the justification for this in the us? can it be just money?

carol brussel IBCLC
laura nevada lactation
denver colorado

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html