Barbara Wilson-Clay wrote:

> Mom was delighted not to have her very real perception of low
>intake at breast dismissed.  I got no sense from her that the experience
>disempowered her.

I agree wholeheartedly.  I think the moms who need test weights already
*know* they're in trouble, and they seem to view the test weights as a way to
help them determine what's going on.  I've never gotten the sense that a
mother was trying to "perform" for the scales.  They'll say, "Yeah, this is
how she usually nurses,"  or, "Actually, she seems to be feeding better this
time."  I remember only one mother who said, "Oh, she always feeds better
than this at home."

I certainly don't do test weights routinely, and, as Barbara said, if the
baby is at a good weight for age, I wouldn't even mention it.  But I'm
working with a mom right now who drops in on a weekly basis for a test
weight--she's had multiple problems, and seeing that her baby continues to
take 4 or 5 ounces is very reinforcing for her and, I think, has kept her
going far longer than she would have otherwise.

>Informed consent implies accurate info. How can we reject
>a simple tool which, if handled with sensitivity, helps us preserve bfg
while
>protecting the vulnerable infants growth needs?

I think sensitivity is the key word. I present the test weights as a tool,
not as a challenge or a threat, and I've found them to be invaluable.   I
really couldn't practice without them now.

Judy Dunlap, RNC, BA, IBCLC