It seems to me that the mass hysteria in the medical community about infant 
weight is getting worse instead of better as more and more research is being 
done showing that slight underfeeding of mammals (including us Homo sapiens) 
is a far healthier lifestyle than the "more is better" mentality that us Americans 
especially, have towards food.  The US government in recent months has 
publicly stated that obesity in Americans is a very concerning problem, 
especially now that obesity is being defined in infants undeer the age of 6 
months.  How does a baby under 6 months who is being exclusively milk-fed 
meet the clinical definition of obesity?  By being ARTIFICIALLY FED!  I have 
been working with 2 mothers whose babies are gaining an ounce/day on 
exclusive breastfeeding - both are under a month old.  They are also showing 
normal development.  Both moms are being harassed by their peds 
for "insufficient weight gain".  One mom was told by her ped that he wanted to 
see a 3 OUNCE/DAY weight gain!!  Both are being pressured to supplement 
with formula.  One of the moms listened politely to this advice and went home 
and continued exclusive nursing.  At the next obligatory weight check 4 days 
later, the baby had gained a little more than an ounce/day and the 
pediatrician was flabbergasted that she did NOT supplement with any formula.
My response to this mother under discussion would be:  "You are doing just 
fine!" and my management of her breastfeeding would include nothing beyond 
lots of reassurance and emotional support.

Pam Hirsch, BSN,RN,IBCLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL   USA

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