Re use of scales at support group.

I do not believe that we ever had a problem with moms feeling diminished if
their baby was a slower gainer.  I always would talk to them about what is
normal..and stress that there is a huge variation for normal.  The moms seem
to enjoy having the scale there.  You would be surprised at how many moms
try to weight the baby at home on their home scales(I did that when I had
babies), so at least it is an accurate weight in a controlled setting!  

The comment I did get from the moms with the babies who did not gain as fast
is that they felt relieved that they had a place to track growth without
running to the doctors office all the time. Time spent in a germ infested
office waiting for a weight check....plus the added cost is not appealing to
many women! These were moms who were already nervous because the doctor told
them the baby was on the small side and gaining slowly and they were given
the option of tracking weight at our group rather than going to the doctors
office every week.  I do not see that the scale makes the mom start formula
or begin solids sooner, rather it seems to reassure them that things are
going well at that adding formula and/or solids are not needed.  

I agree that if there is a problem, a consult is in order.    

As a side note, since we allow all babies at our group, not just
breastfeeders, we can see how all babies gain weight and I have seen just as
many formula feeders who are slow gainers!    

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