I've been off LACTNET for awhile, but did notice the thread on test weighing. 
  There is a skill to test weighing that is not to be underestimated.   It is 
crucial to look at the whole picture, not just the final number (even though 
the mother may just see the final number).  The rate at which the baby takes 
the volume, the "number of breasts" the feeding required (i.e., 
switch-nursing), how long it had been since the last feeding, etc.   I've had mothers with 
insufficient glandular tissue have good feedings at the scale--my first question 
to them was "when did you last pump?"   It turns out that some of them 
(unconscious wish?) had "accidentally" missed the prior pumping session or had gone 
a long stretch (like 6 hours).   So what I was seeing was really a false 
supply.   I've seen other babies take 4.5 oz at the breast, but still have 
determined that the woman's supply is low--you have to look at the whole picture and 
use test weights as a piece of the puzzle.   I think that some LC's do not know 
what to do with the information they are presented with as a result of the 
test weight; these tend to be the practitioners who trivialize the use of the 
scale.   I've been out of the loop on lactation education for awhile--have there 
been any substantive talks/lectures on complicated situations and scale use?

Heather Kelly, MA, IBCLC   

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