Updated Thoughts on Baby Scales at Home
Before the pandemic, I was of the mindset that home infant scales often caused more harm than good. Scales can become a singular point of focus with parents weighing babies too frequently, or trying to use the scale for a weighted feed (home scales simply aren’t good for that). I’ve seen many healthy breastfeeding situations derailed entirely by maternal anxiety, and scales can increase anxiety if not used wisely. I often preferred repeat weight checks either with the pediatrician or with me when available, as I saw better outcomes with this method.
The pandemic was certainly a shift in how we cared for infants, and this is an issue where I openly embrace a shift in my opinion.
It wasn’t the scale itself causing the anxiety, it was the lack of guidance these parents had leading to the inappropriate scale usage. Weights are vital data points, but without nuanced context, they can lead to shifts in infant feeding plans that are either insufficient for a baby’s needs, or overcorrect for a perceived issue causing further harm. The emphasis on infant weight during pediatrician visits leads to a focus on weight when its only part of the picture.
Home scale + unsupported anxious parent = bad
Home scale + skilled lactation support virtually = fantastic outcomes!!
What’s the difference with lactation support that makes for the improved outcomes?
I can take your baby’s weight and provide you with individualized feedback to support your goals.
I can provide nuanced context for why a baby is not falling within the expected averages.
I can help you determine the weight check intervals that support your baby’s needs, and help make these checks a source of empowerment for your decision making instead of a source of negative feelings.
So my new stance on baby scales?
If we are anticipating a potentially complicated feeding situation, dealing with a baby born before 38 weeks, or are actively managing a complicated feeding situation/slow weight gain = Lets get a scale in your home and use it to support optimal growth for your baby!
Lets do a consultation to assess the situation, create a personalized care plan with a weight check interval, and then, let’s monitor baby’s weight according to the plan.
I personally encourage my clients to send me the updated info so we can chat with each check to give them the context. In between checks, I recommend storing the scale out of the way and not using it. I find this allows for targeted frequent adjustments to the care plan that result in quicker goal attainment and increased client confidence. And, my clients have loved doing weight checks in this manner and report reduced anxiety even when the weight wasn’t what we hoped for.
