What is a weighted feed? Why do it?

For breastfeeding and chestfeeding parents: Since you don’t have ounce markers on your breasts, it can be hard to tell how much milk your baby is getting! 

If you’d like more “data”, you can try a weighted with a lactation-trained doula!

The weighted feed entails 3 steps (also in the video above):

1. Right before a feed, place your baby on baby scale with a clean diaper or no diaper. Weigh using grams.

2. Feed your baby.

3. Immediately after the feed, place your baby on baby scale. Weigh in grams.

The difference in weight indicates how much milk they consumed. Convert grams to ounces.

About the Author: Kathleen Stern is a certified infant feeding specialist, doula and founder of Boston Area Doulas. Kathleen believes in the power of support, connection, increasing access to resources and increasing one’s confidence in parenthood. She and her doula team offer lactation and infant feeding support to families. 📞 (857) 600-1907 ✉️ kathleen@bostonareadoulas.com