I heard Nancy Hurst (of Texas Children's Hospt.) lecture yesterday at the
Texas Breastfeeding Summit.  She presented data that she and Paula Meier
have been gathering for years on the use of test weights with digital
electronic scales.  The data is unequivical.  In blinded studies there were
wild miscalculations in evaluating intake on the part of mothers, LCs, PhDs
and MDs (all experienced in and dedicated to lactation support) when they
assessed intake by the observational methods we all have used:  counting
sucks, observing jaw excursions, listening for audible swallows, assessing
breast fullness before and after feeds, and watching baby cues.  The only
accurate and consistent information on intake came from using scales that
functioned on the level of the Smart Scale or the Baby Weigh.  While it is
unnecessary to calculate to within 2 grams the intake of a robust term baby,
it is critical to be able to document intake in the premature, ill, fragile
baby, or the mother with a health or anatomical condition that puts the baby
at risk for poor growth.  The scale provides a wonder confirmation for both
mother and care provider that milk transfer is occuring, or it alerts us to
the fact that an intervention is necessary.  It has not been my experience
that this makes mothers obsessed or stressed, and none of the research
indicates scales have this effect.
Not every mother needs to purchase a thousand dollar scale just to satisfy
her curiosity. If her baby is growing at the rate of about 7 oz per week
(for term infants) buying a scale is probably a sign of conspicuous
over-consumption.  However, professional equip. supported by clinical
literature from reputable researchers seems an appropriate ad to have in a
professional journal.  The ability to test weigh babies  protects babies and
breastfeeding, and if my scale broke, I'd willingly go into debt to buy
another.  It was one of the best purchases I ever made. My practice with
regard to equip has gotten simpler and simpler.  I use next to nothing; but
I would not give up my scale.

 Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates, Austin, Texas
http://www.jump.net/~bwc/lactnews.html

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