Nina again asks about test weighing from a single feeding given Harmann's research. This is exactly the problem of dependability versus reliability and precision. Scales are more reliable and precise than observations alone - that is you will get a consistent measurement (reliable) if you weigh the baby several times and that measurement is fairly close to reliality (precise). What she is talking about is dependability. Here, any observation that you make: listening for swallows, watching for swallows, using a stethescope (such as Cathy Genna does) to listen for swallows, asking mothers about the feeling of the pulling ----- all of these are no different than test weighing in terms of watching a feeding. When you say that test weighing falls prey to this problem, all of the other means of estimating intake do so as well. Other measures are as much influenced by dependability as test weighing if not more so because of their lack of reliability and precision. The ONLY way that anyone using any means of measurement could capture the entire daily picture would be to sit with a mother for 24 hours. Now, we all know this is not feasible. Regardless of whether you choose to use a less reliable, less precise instrument or a more reliable more precise instrument to determine "intake" from your observed feeding you MUST at the very least: 1) ask in depth questions about how the observed feeding compares to other feedings 2) estimate the growth rate Then on top of that you have to look at the entire picture. This is where having support groups or some other means of follow up for mothers whose babies are not gaining well is extremely important for getting a more complete picture so you are not over or under supplementing. This is important for moms who must pump because we all know what a drag that is for all but the moms who need the control that a pump provides and even more important for infants that unfortunately need some formula. Best regards Susan Burger *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html