BLOGS   WRITE NEW BLOG   EDIT BLOGS  
 
RSS
July Blog
Posted On 07/14/2008 21:38:43 by caryn
         It has been a very busy two months and summer is firmly upon us. An issue I have been counseling nursing mothers (AND PEDIATRICIANS) lately is the need for post partum weight checks until the baby surpasses their birth weight; I also prefer an additional weight check 5 days after the birth weight has been reached.
       I have (and bring on consults) a MEDELA baby weigh scale and often ask parents to stop by my office at n/c for weight checks.  First time parents need to know they should be quite proactive when it comes to their nursing baby's healthcare. Is your pediatrician basing height/weight percentiles with a breastfed baby chart or formula fed baby chart? Is he/she breastfeeding friendly?  Is there an IBCLC that they refer mothers to?
    I always recommend these important points to be brought up by first time mothers when they "interview" their pediatricians. 
   Also, it is your RIGHT to ask for weight checks within the first month or so! Most of the pediatricians that I work with see a mother/baby breastfeeding dyad 2-3x in the first two weeks.
       End point - It's so important for new parents to trust their pediatrician, and to go with their instincts in choosing one.  Mom's intuition is seldom wrong!
   Namaste - Caryn 

Tags: Breastfeeding Weight Checks And The First Month



Bookmark:



Viewing 1 - 2 out of 2 Comments

From: caryn
07/18/2008 20:37:30
Vicki - awesome! I assume you are a private practice LC?
If the infant has not surpassed birthweight by 10 days - supplementation is a must; I do know a lot of peds that will insist at the 5-7 day mark though.
I always choose pumped breastmilk as the supplement though (if mom is capable of producing that is!)


From: vickikreiner
07/15/2008 19:10:06
I offer free walk in weight checks too.
Some local support groups do as well.
Most Peds offices charge atleast a copay.
I agree with interviewing for the right Ped (although heads will but sometimes).
I also like to see BF babies weighed within one week post birth. However, I am a litlte leary about getting two wrapped up in weights b/c often times the Ped will want to start formula on a whim. (which goes along with your end point in the first place).
All Peds and ER's etc should have atleast one IBCLC's name on file. I am getting ready to mass mail my cards and brochures to all local OBs and Peds etc. Hopefully they will refer to a BFF LC before thay give unBF advice!


HOT TAGS [-]