Nancy,
I loved your post on Failure to Thirve (FTT). Here's my understanding of the
diagnosis: A FTT baby is a baby  who appears to be recieving adequate
nutrition yet for all intents and purposes he fails to grow. All metabolic
causes are (or ar soon to be) ruled out.  Thus we believed that FTT had
something to do with mothering or a lack there of.  I believe there was
research done on FTT in orphanages many years ago (Maybe K. Dettwyler can add
to this)
I too have seen the diagnosis used more often. One baby was only 3 weeks old!
Obviously this was an appropiate diagnosis.
I absolutely agree with the depression idea you suggested. Baby's do what
works. If crying doesn't bring the attention they need-- they stop crying and
yes they shut down. Anyone of us who has seen a true FTT, a baby who has been
neglected, remembers the facial expressions of these babies--very hard to
discribe-- almost like the lights are on but no one's home (sorry for the
cliche). Vrs the expressions of the babies who aren't getting enough to eat;
they look worried and concerned-- the brow often furrowed-- but when they are
full they are normal, happy, alert,  infants.
When I talk to mothers about parenting advice I always tell them *No one ever
speaks for the baby.*  I warn mothers about any advice (written or otherwise)
that is rigid or offers very little flexability in relation to what the baby
needs. LC's must be advocates for the children.We've seen many wonderful
examples of that voice here on the Lactnet in the examples of what to say to
mothers when... thread a few weeks ago. I have seen many inquisitive looks
from parents as I speak and play with baby during an exam. Mothers quickly
pick up on this. Modeling is an important aspect of the many things LC's do.
And you thought this was just about breastfeeding...

Marie Davis