Heather, here in the USA, peer or lay BF helpers do not do test weights.
Meaning La Leche League Leaders or WIC BF Peer Counselors. With your
explanation of what you do, in the peer support realm (or so I
understand it), it is obvious why test weights are not your thing.
As an LLL Leader, I do not do test weights either because Leaders do not
ordinarily have a good scale. As an LLL Leader, I also would not get
written consent before helping the mother, nor do a written care plan,
nor send an HCP report, nor have nipple shields or supplementer devices
or special bottles. I am covered by liability insurance through LLLI, as
I am for my professional work through my employer.
An IBCLC does more than just support and encourage a mother as you
described your role and as I do in my work for LLLI. Mothers need women
to hold their hands and support them through the tough times so what lay
or peer helpers do is invaluable. Yet, an IBCLC is supposed to provide a
professional service with medical information (not advice or diagnosing
medical issues) or guiding the parents to improve feedings of the baby.
Test weights go along with being a professional lactation service.
And what does it matter if the scale shows 34 ml or 35 ml, this is just
splitting hairs. The important thing is that in Laurie's case, she was
able to see that mother had some milk, but maybe not enough for full
breastfeeding. The test weight should have reassured the mother that
something came out and ended up in baby's tummy. As Laurie works as a
professional, her suggestions must be more precise than for the peer or
lay helper.
Kathy Eng, BSW, IBCLC
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