Barbara Wilson-Clay wrote: > Mom was delighted not to have her very real perception of low >intake at breast dismissed. I got no sense from her that the experience >disempowered her. I agree wholeheartedly. I think the moms who need test weights already *know* they're in trouble, and they seem to view the test weights as a way to help them determine what's going on. I've never gotten the sense that a mother was trying to "perform" for the scales. They'll say, "Yeah, this is how she usually nurses," or, "Actually, she seems to be feeding better this time." I remember only one mother who said, "Oh, she always feeds better than this at home." I certainly don't do test weights routinely, and, as Barbara said, if the baby is at a good weight for age, I wouldn't even mention it. But I'm working with a mom right now who drops in on a weekly basis for a test weight--she's had multiple problems, and seeing that her baby continues to take 4 or 5 ounces is very reinforcing for her and, I think, has kept her going far longer than she would have otherwise. >Informed consent implies accurate info. How can we reject >a simple tool which, if handled with sensitivity, helps us preserve bfg while >protecting the vulnerable infants growth needs? I think sensitivity is the key word. I present the test weights as a tool, not as a challenge or a threat, and I've found them to be invaluable. I really couldn't practice without them now. Judy Dunlap, RNC, BA, IBCLC