Kay Hoover wrote a letter to the editor of JHL 1998,14(4):288 urging LCs to
be cautious about extreme weight loss in newborns.  She pointed out that if
an infant has lost 15% or more of weight, the baby's electrolytes need to be
checked.  Babies can be alert and active and still become dehydrated.  "When
there is rapid weight loss, the baby can have an electrolyte imbalance.  If
this imbalance is not corrected, the baby could have a seizure, suffer
permanent neurological damage, or even die."  This last statement is ref. to
a a medical text on pediatrics.


Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates, Austin, Texas
http://www.lactnews.com

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