How to assess slow growth in the breastfed infant - Birth to 3 months

As rates of breastfeeding increase in the United States, pediatricians are faced with the task of assessing and managing suboptimal weight gain in the breastfed infant. Pediatricians can increase their knowledge regarding bre astfeeding difficulties and change their clinical approach in order to prev ent slow weight gain. When growth falters, the complex interrelationship of infant and maternal factors requires the pediatrician to include the mothe r in the evaluation and management. Emphasis is placed on development of a differential diagnosis and individualized case management within the framew ork of some general guidelines. Goals of management include the preservatio n of the breastfeeding relationship while optimizing infant growth and deve lopment.