What Is a Weighted Feeding and Why Can It Be Life-Changing?
Have you had a medical professional nonchalantly suggest to pump just to see how much breast milk you get? If there is no medical reason to pump and you do not want solely to see “how much you get,” please do not pump- instead contact a lactation professional for a weighted feeding. It can be such an affirming (and fun) experience!
When a lactation professional conducts a weighted feeding, he or she first weighs baby in only a dry diaper and records the initial weight. It is important to mention that lactation consultants and counselors have reliable scales that measure baby’s weight to an accuracy of 2 grams.
Next, baby and mother nurse ideally in a comfortable space in the privacy of their home while the lactation professional observes the feeding in order to provide suggestions on positioning and latching. When I observe a mother and baby breastfeed, I prefer to use my words to guide the dyad as much as possible before using hands-on methods. Using verbal instructions allows the mother to integrate the suggestions into her knowledge and experience more easily and securely. Surveys show that mothers who had hands-on assistance from a lactation professional reported feeling uncomfortable and less likely to benefit from the guidance. If needed, I use a more hands-on approach to facilitate successful breastfeeding after requesting permission from mom and baby.
After baby or mother has ended the feeding on one side, we weigh baby again to get an estimate of how much milk was removed. Mom can offer the other side and if more breast milk is removed, baby is weighed again to get a cumulative measurement of breast milk intake. Although this is a single estimate of how much breast milk baby removed during one feeding session, it frequently is enough to soothe mother’s fears and provide her the confidence she needs to continue breastfeeding her baby.
“Perceived low milk production” is one of the most common reasons nursing parents decide to supplement with expressed breast milk or formula, or stop breastfeeding completely. Frequently, education combined with a weighted feeding is enough to help parents achieve their feeding goals.
If you are encouraged to pump and do not want to, or if you are concerned about your breast milk production, please reach out to a lactation professional and schedule a consultation. We are here to empower you in reaching your feeding goals!
