Charts are produced in different ways and for slightly different reasons.
However, they are population reference standards and not really suitable for
tracking the growth of one child over time.  Even if the charts are based on
longitudinal data (tracking the same babies over time as they grow) rather
than a population 'snapshot', the dips and spurts in individual growth are
smoothed out by this.  The work of the WHO group who are working on
collection of data for the WHO charts based on exclusiviely breastfed babies
is extremely interesting on this.

I also found this interesting statement in Renfrew, Woolridge and Ross
MacGill (2000) Enabling Women to Breastfeed (London;The Stationary Office):

"There is insufficient research to guide practice in making decisions about
which babies may genuinely need additional feeds.  Further research is
needed to address important questions such as:

*  When should a baby's milk intake be deedmed inadequate for his or her
physiological needs?
*  What level of weight loss in the baby shoudl result in supplementation?
*  Whe should a mother be encouraged to express milk in addition to
breastfeeding?

Without this information, caregivers will face conflicts in making decsions
about when to advise a mothe rto resits pressure to supplement routinely,
while reassuring her that all will be well, versus a necessary decision to
give additional feeds to a baby who is not receiving an adequate intake fro
the breast."

Sounds like this is a question for some careful research and literature
review.  Perhaps next time the Cochrane Collaboration asks for consumer
ideas for research reviews, we should mention this?

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter, BfN, UK

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