I know this subject has been discussed before but I have a slightly different
question for all of you.
The accepted weight loss for the newborn is currently 10% (at least in the
USA).  There have been articles and conferences suggesting this number is too
high and should be set at 7 or 8%.
Now here is my question and dilemma.  If the majority of the weight loss is
in the first 24 hours is this an accurate gauge?  I have seen very healthy
babies loss up to a pound in their first 24 hours (this is with at least 6
breastfeedings and adequate urine and stool outputs).  My first assumption is
a scale error or maybe even a human error.
With the 10% loss this is normally seen by day 4 or 5, so what percentage
loss would be normal in the first 24 hours?
I keep thinking about the average intake of a newborn in their first 24
hours, which is only a couple tablespoons or less than an ounce.  So how can
they have a large weight loss unless they are put under the lights and become
dehydrated?

I remember Jack Newman stating the need to look at the baby first and not the
numbers.  I totally agree.
I would love to hear what others think about this and how to handle it.
thanks,
Ann Perry RN, IBCLC
Boston, MA

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html