<I don't think there a "mute" point at all, or even a MOOT point.  Primarily
means "most of the kids, most of the time."  That is a far cry from claiming
that the current NCHS/CDC/WHO/Ross Labs growth charts are "based on
formula-fed babies" and therefore worthless for using with breastfed
babies.>

Kathy and for interested Lactnetters I would like to refer you to the
article I was referring to.  "Time for a New Growth Reference" Pediatrics.
Vol. 100. No. 5 Nov. 1997 by Merceds de Onis et al.  You can find the full
text article at:
http:www.pediatrics. org/
de Onis is from the Nutrition Programme World Health Organisation
The paper states " the Fels curves reflect the growth of children who were
fed primarily infant formula and in whom complementary feeding often was
initiated before 4 months".  Further on it also de Onis et al state "concern
has been expressed that the NCHS curves are inapproprate for healthy,
breastfed infants.  Recent resarch shows that infants fed according to
recommendatiion by the World Health Organization and who live under
conditions that favor the achievement of genetic growth potentials grow less
rapidly than, and deviate signigicantly from, the NCHS reference.  The
negative deviations are large enough to lead health workers to make faulty
decisions regarding the adequate growth of breastfed infants, and thus
mistakenly advise mothers to supplement unnecessarily or to stop
breastfeeding altogher".
I believe the growth chart is merely a tool.  They, like  de Onis says in
her paper, should be used appropriately and emphasis should be placed on
appropriate use. They should used as a screening tool to detect individuals
of greater risk of health or nutritional disorders.  However more
appropriate growth charts for breast fed babies should help prevent needless
intervention on the part of over zealous health care workers and I believe
the new WHO growth charts are a step in the right direction.
Marian Rigney RN

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