I know there have been MANY discussions in Lactnet about infant scales and
the appropriate time to use them, when is it appropriate to assess feedings
with them, what to do with the information we get from them, etc. This is
NOT the topic of my comments.
The importance of having accurate scales that are calibrated regularly does
not seem to be discussed - and having made hundreds of home visits with a
scale in the last 12 years, I would recommend that IF you are going to get a
scale - you need to get the very best you can afford - AND CALIBRATE IT
REGULARLY!
Yes, I am shouting, because I have had some serious scares not with LCs and
their scales - but with the difference I find between the weights I get when
I check a baby and that of their own pediatrician's office. If I were
seeing normal, healthy, full-term babies, then there would be less concern.
However, with at least 5 babies it was a REAL concern as the MD's office
scale was off by ONE POUND - which meant that they were totally missing
weight losses that were very dangerous).
We see babies who are having trouble - in some cases they are visited every
2 days - yes, I've made HV on weekends, holidays, etc. when babies have
scared me - and the decisions as to whether to recommend to the pediatrician
that supplementation be instituted, how much, how often, etc. lies in our
breastfeeding assessment and being able to report accurate weights as well.
So, besides the price, in MY estimation you need to:
* Understand what is the difference between a scale that is accurate
to +/- 2 ounces vs. .1 oz) - if you are going to be seeing tiny babies,
then the accuracy needs to be much closer than if you are seeing only
"normal" well-baby checks.
* Get a standard weight (usually 10 K) and make sure that YOU can
calibrate the scale WEEKLY rather than taking it in or getting it serviced
once or twice a year by a company sales rep.
* Be sure you have a good carrier to protect it, if you are going to
carry the scale in and out of cars, homes, etc.
I realize that weight is ONLY ONE of the objective measures an LC makes -
but it is one we document, report to the parents and MD, and use for
decisions on how to proceed. It is important to be sure our tools work,
whether scales or breast pumps or anything else!
Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC
California, USA
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