This discussion reinforces my contention that the first weight should be done at 24 hours (or so) rather than immediately after birth.  There can be a difference simply by the fact that some babies pee and poop before the weight and some after.  Then depending on whether the next weight is done before or after a void and/or stool, there can be a difference of a few percentage points!
Just what would be the harm if we didn't do immediate weights?
1-Grandparents would go nuts because the first question after "boy or girl?" is usually weight (sometimes even "Is the baby OK?" comes after the sex and weight questions!).
2-Some hospital computer systems "require" that the weight be entered before the chart can be generated.

Weight is often the deciding factor in whether a baby is considered AGA, LGA, or SGA (Average, Large or Small for Gestational Age).  It can also determine whether or not a baby needs to go to Special Care or NICU.  Shouldn't the appearance and behavior of the infant be the primary criteria?  When there is a real concern, then an immediate weight might be in order, but is it really needed for all babies?

Winnie

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