I agree about seriously considering the scales - I inherited a BF support group 
where the scale was  already an accepted part of the routine. All the moms 
pretty much weigh their babies constantly - and  I feel that for the moms of 
fat rolly-polly babies the scale is  fun, but those babies certainly don't need 
weight checks. For the moms of the slower gaining babies, the scale is an 
unneccssary source of anxiety. Also the inevitable comparisons in weight gain 
add to the anxiety - a new mom hearing that the other four week old baby 
gained twice as much as hers, will often feel diminished - I can see it on her 
face. There is so much unbelievable positive energy generated in the support 
group, as the mothers exchange experiences, ideas and suggestions. The 
scale can sometimes kill all that for a vulnerable mom, in one fell swoop. I 
think we should just be instilling faith in the process, and that weight checks 
in the peds office are perfectly adequate. BTW, I am totally for the judicious 
use of scales when acting as a private LC, and totally believe in test-weighing 
when called for - I am not trying to open up that can of worms again. 

One other suggestion I  have when setting up your support group is to think 
about where the moms will put their babies down. We use mats covered with 
sheets that are always washed and fresh for each new meeting. The babies
love being together and it is a bonding experience for them as well as their 
moms.

Good luck
Kathy Lilleskov RN IBCLC

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