In a message dated 1.15.03 12:34:25 PM, [log in to unmask] writes: > >>She is in the 3% for her weight/height. Currently a little under 9 lbs. > She > is growing, albeit very slowly. She is not gaining at the rate which her > Dr's want. They are pushing her parents to supplement with formula.>> > It sounds from your description as if the baby's feeding effectiveness has improved dramatically ..... has the weight gain conincided with this improvement ie. are you sure that the increased effectiveness at the breast has had the time to reveal itself in weight gain? If not, then a little more time may be all that is needed. If you are sure that despite efficient nursing sessions, wt. gain remains or will remain an issue for the HCPs I might suggest pumping after feeds and offering this (via finger fds since this is established?) after some feeds, perhaps nighttime? How IS her supply? In terms of the above regimen it would be best is Mom had somewhat more milk than the baby is taking-enough to allow for pumping of creamier milk but not a large oversupply which would imply that the feeds at breast are lower fat and cals. you also write >>What I need is, documented proof that breastmilk is by far the best choice for a medically fragile baby. I need studies, something she can print out and take to Emma's Dr.'s. Links, anything, that she can print out and take to arm herself. I have been searching and searching, but so far without success. I can find plenty of anecdotal evidence, but that is not what is needed<< at the risk of sounding rude-are you kidding? The studies are there by the 100s detailing the benefits to both healthy and fragile infants. Try www.promom.org for the 101 reasons to breast feed. Most of these *reasons* are well referenced with the first one being the AAP policy! BTW-scientific studies *rarely* offer proof,they suggest , sometimes very strongly as they would in support of the case made by Emma's parents! Good Luck! Lynn Shea Rn,Bsn,Ibclc Franklin,Massachusetts *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html