A Balancing Act: The Clinical Use of Scales With the Breastfed Infant
- Duration: 60 Mins
- Credits: 1 CERP, 1 L-CERP, 1 Nurse Contact Hours, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU
- Handout: Yes
Abstract:
Weighing of babies dates back to ancient Egypt times, but scales and measurement of babies became more widely used in the 18th and 19th century. Fast forward to the 21st century and the use of the neonatal scale has taken on a life of its own in developed countries. Many families of healthy, low risk newborns own a scale at home; it might even be built into their changing table. IBCLCs, pediatricians, and family medicine doctors also have access to infant scales for clinical use. How has the use of scales changed lactation support and parents’ perceptions about lactation progress? Are there ways to refocus on the basics of lactation and infant care without over-reliance on the infant scale as a tool?
In this presentation we will examine the practical, technical and proper use of infant scales for the clinician. We will discuss the appropriate timing of scale use as well as describing times at which scale use might be detrimental to the dyad. We will look at common pitfalls with scale usage and how best to avoid or navigate them with a family. We will cover ways to educate and empower parents with tools for evaluating their child’s well-being throughout the lactation journey without the use of an infant scale.
Learning Objectives:
Define weight loss expectations, weight gain expectations and variability within normal limits. (10min)
Describe the risks of overuse of infant scale use clinically and casually in parent’s own homes. (15 min)
Explain when scales can be helpful and when their use may negatively impact lactation goals for
Families. (20 min)
Provide education and tools to families for evaluating the big picture of their child’s well being, using indicators of thriving independent of scale use. (15 min)
