We have a scale for this purpose in outr office, but do not use it
routinely.  When there is any question about how much baby is
transferring, we do use it.  I always tell a mom beforehand that the
weights do not give us a full picture of what is happening over all
the feedings in a day.  It is more of a "snapshot" of that
individual feed.  I also ask mom after the feed and before the post
weight how she feels that feeding went in comparison with a typical
feeding for the baby.  Test weights (or whatever you prefer to call
them) are only one tool, but they can be a helpful one.  In a
situation where baby definitely needs to be fed and mom is working
on her supply but is not obtaining as much (whether she is using a
mechanical pump or hand expression) as baby needs, test weights can
give a "ballpark" idea of how much additional milk baby may need to
be taking in by whatever alternate feeding method is appropriate for
that situation.  I think it's a better approach than the one most
Peds use where they always tell a mom "give 1-1 1/2 ounces after
every feeding" regardless of any evidence as to what baby is
obtaining at the breast.
Winnie Mading-Wisconsin- who is exhausted after 2 days of constantly
cutting and polishing stones at our gem and mineral show.  I cut 22
in the 2 days!

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