Table of Contents
5
8. Scale Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18
12. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
17. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Accurately measuring infant milk intake during breastfeeding is
important in the management of hospitalized infants, as well as in
addressing breastfeeding concerns with healthy infants at home.
In the hospital, knowledge of milk intake improves clinical diagnosis
of feeding problems while providing essential information for precise
supplementation of infants at risk for under or over consumption
.
1,2,3
In the home, knowledge of milk intake ensures feeding adequacy
and enhances maternal satisfaction
.
4,5
Clinical indices of milk intake during breastfeeding, such as duration
of sucking, audible swallowing, and presence of maternal milk
ejection, are not accurate replacements for the evidence based
practice of test weighing before and after feeding. Using test
weights may also increase maternal satisfaction when compared to
using clinical indices to ensure adequate feeding
.
5