In a message dated 95-10-04 11:14:19 EDT, [log in to unmask] (Automatic digest processor) writes: >m Hi, I'm Denise Ferrell,RN,BSN and IBCLC since 1989.My son is 2 1/2 years old,a fertility baby at that.Now i'm in practise privately and teaching CB and prenatal BF classes at 2 large hospitals in Indianapolis,IN. My question is this: Is there a different caloric infant need formulat for BF infants vs.Breastmilk substitutes? (glad to see so many healthcare providers here who believe there just is no real substi- tute for Mom's Milk) It seems that professional sources for nursing(RN,Bobak and Jenson Pediatric Nursing) indicate that formula fed kids need 110kcal/kg. Yet,a frequently sited formula for BF caloric needs is lower-I know I/ve seen studies suggesting BF kids need less and that nonBF kids are probably overestimated. Does anyone know of a specific study indicating these facts?Thanks in advance. My problem is a mom was told her perfectly fine BF wt.gaining 2 1/2 week infant needs 32 oz/24 hrs.According to my calcs,that's based on the 110kcal/kg for her 10# boy. My lactation references suggest 27 oz/24hrs to gain,not just maintain his wt.She's trusting my sources and hopefully we can reach an agreement with her healthcare provider shortly. I trust my resources but would like to be prepared with specific info.for discussion with healthcare provider.Mom has been supplementing since 1 week old,using an infant scale to decrease supplements and reassure her (I did not offer the scale, but the healthcare provider suggested she request it--I try to use as little interventions as possible in each case and in my assessment stepping up the nursing ,brief switch nursing and decreased supplements were all that was needed.) Infant had regained birthwt. by 2 weeks and is still gaining but receiving substitutes-- a problem which might have been avoided if I had kept closer tabs on her since she did not call me with updates as requested---as this mom says "Live and unfortunately Learn-No formula for next baby". Sorry about the length of a seemingly simple and perfectly avoidable problem. Denise Ferrell, former resident of Huntsville,Alabama and native of Southern Calif.where all my family lives,BOO-HOO Thank you kindly and I hope I can return the favor in kind.