Star and others:  Who says the optimum weekly weight gain is 8 oz?  Do we
have evidence-based literature that definitely supports this?  I think
weight numbers are just being tossed about with nothing to back up the
statements that are coming out of especially pediatricians' mouths and
causing mass hysteria amongst parents.  I don't know that I have an
evidence-based source that I can refer to that states that all babies need
to be gaining 8 oz/week or we are all in serious trouble. If anyone does,
please let me know what source you use.  I agree with most posters on the
subject of slow growth.  I think there is a wide range of "normal" weight
gain and what is normal for a particular baby is based on many factors,
genes, environment, emotional, physical factors. I personally find
developmental issues to be much more valuable than weight gain to be a good
indicator on whether the baby is growing/developing within the norm.

Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL  USA

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