Jeanette writes:
"LCs, like all other health professionals, need to know their stuff - and be
observant - and know when interventions are appropriate and when they are
not - and know HOW to intervene!"

This is such an important point. It is so easy for us to become seduced by the numbers, too. We have to remember to be observant and look at the whole picture. Often, for us, looking at the whole baby does the job, in some cases looking at the whole mother-baby dyad, or even, where growth is concerned, looking at the whole family is what we need to do. So many of us have experienced this in our own children. All three of mine grew rapidly in the first 6 mos, slowed dramatically and were 19, 20 and 21lb respectively at one year. All are lean (oldest is now 15) and althletic. I have a friend who had three girls who were huge until they were toddlers, then she had a forth with a different dh and the baby's growth has been completely different. Maybe not a scientific study, but I'd put my money on genetics.

OTOH, b/c my own children were small at a year, I think that when I was first helping moms, I was too quick to assume genetics was always the factor. I have since seen quite a few babies who are clearly dealing with allergies, insufficient milk supply or zinc (or other nutrient) deficiencies.  Again, a lesson in viewing the whole picture.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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