Re: the great scale dilemma

[Guest guest]

Hi and Pam,

I was on the fence about a scale for the longest time. What I found is that I

have had cases where it has been really useful: a baby who seemed to be nursing

OK, but not gaining weight; a baby who suddenly cut way back on nursing when he

started solids; twins whose mother was afraid to stop their formula supplements

because she couldn't believe they were transferring 3-5 oz each while tandem

nursing, etc.

I found that my scale (.2 oz/5 grams) does measure a teaspoon (or so) of water.

By my thinking, since I am working with full term babies, if a before and after

feeding weight was less than a teaspoon, a more precise scale wouldn't really be

helpful.

In other words, if a baby is transferring less than a teaspoon, I am not really

sure I could help them. I would probably refer them to someone else.

Another thing I have found, is that some mothers feel really empowered when they

see how much weight their baby gains on the milk that they are making. They can

see the rolls and the too-small onesies, but the numbers really make them happy

and proud. These moms come in every week to weigh their babies! It's more

celebratory than going to the pediatrician.

I know a mom who is just amazed. She feels like she finally found something that

her body does really, really well.

Love,

Donna

New Baby New Paltz

15 Plattekill Ave.

New Paltz, NY 12561

Http://newbabynewpaltz.com