With a person who is not sure about breastfeeding and amounts baby is taking,
my weighing a baby on the medella scale works wonders in boosting a woman's
confidence regarding how much a baby takes in at a feeding.

 I use it selectively, too.  it has also validated my ability to assess how
effectively a baby is breastfeeding. Usually i am right on. I don't see that
many to form a routine yet on how I use it. You're right, it can lower
woman's confidence if not handled correctly. I see a fair number of  older
babies who are not gaining adequately and it is useful to get a ball park
figure. Mom can tell you if the feeding was typical or not.

Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of seeing moms for many return visits,
because they are private pay, and unless the money is there or are covered by
the HMO in town that covers LC visits, I may only have one shot.

 Assessing suck-swallow will do the same thing as far as telling you adequacy
of intake so test weights are probably not necessary and if people who are
not trained in lactation, get ahold of this, it will not be empowering to
woman.

[In my  graduate level nursing theory class, I developed a nursing concept,
breastfeeding empowerment. What fun and enlightenment, really!]

Just some thoughts.
Cindy