Breastfeeding log (+ checklist)

Feeling a little lost at this whole breastfeeding thing? You’re not alone. If nobody’s warned you yet, here is a little secret: It isn’t always easy, and no, it doesn’t always feel so natural. So if it’s taking you and baby a while to get the hang of things, don’t sweat it. Here are a few tips that may just do the trick:

1.Check your nipples if you are having problems with latching — are they dry? If the baby’s in the right position but just can’t seem to get a good latch, you may need to moisturize a little bit more. Try a lanolin-based cream in between feedings and see if that helps.

2.Try a minute or two of massaging your breast before feedings — it softens your breast and gets the milk to start flowing more freely. Having engorged breasts is not going to help you in the breastfeeding process.

3.Forget what you’ve heard about drinking more to increase your supply. Incorporating some pumping sessions or trying to breastfeed a baby more frequently can increase your supply naturally over time.

Under normal circumstances, it is not necessary to use a breastfeeding log. However, some mothers feel more comfortable in the beginning if they are keeping track of nursings and diapers. Most mothers will benefit from the safety net of using a log for the first week or so until they and their baby’s health care provider are reassured that breastfeeding is going well and that baby’s weight gain pattern is adequate.

After the initial week, a log can be used to document feedings and diapers if any concerns arise. The breastfeeding log provides an easy-to-use form for keeping track of how often your baby nurses and has wet/dirty diapers, for the young parents and parents of more than one baby.

Breast milk is important for your baby’s growth and development. It provides the much needed nutrition. Breast milk also aids in digestion and helps prevent allergies and infections. We are here to support you in breastfeeding your baby. It is recommended that you keep a simple diary or log of your baby’s feedings and diaper output for at least the first 2 weeks after birth. This can reassure you that the baby is getting enough to eat. Take this with you to the first pediatrician visit. Newborns are often sleepy in the first 24 hours after delivery and do not feed as often as they will in the next few days. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby will help with breastfeeding. During the first 3 days when your baby is breastfeeding, colostrum (“first” milk) is present in ample amounts to meet your baby’s nutrition needs.

When breastfeeding, look for the following:

Does your baby show an increased interest in feeding as each day passes?

Do you feel pulling/tugging on your nipple/areola, but no pain during feedings?

Can you hear your baby swallow your milk (soft sighs), or can you see swallows?

Does your baby seem satisfied for at least 30 minutes after nursing? Cluster feeding, (repeated frequent feedings) with swallows during parts of the day/night, are normal in the first few days before mature milk comes in.

Does your breastfed baby fit this pattern for normal output?

About 3 to 5 days after birth, your colostrum changes to mature milk. This milk will be thinner and whiter than the colostrum. During this time, look for the following. Your baby is getting enough if your breasts feel fuller and heavier before breastfeeding and softer after each feeding. If, Baby is feeding at least 8 to 12 times for at least 10 to 15 minutes, including pauses, in 24 hours. If you have any questions, please ask your pediatrician or nurse.

Baby has 6 to 8 wet diapers (clear to pale yellow) within 24 hours. Baby has 3 or more soft seedy, yellow stools in 24 hours. If you are not seeing these signs, you need to call your baby’s pediatrician. All babies should be seen by their pediatrician within 2 to 5 days after going home from the hospital.

Note: To help your baby get the full benefits that breast milk provides, breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months. This means your baby gets no other foods (except vitamin D) or fluids unless directed by your baby’s pediatrician. Your baby’s pediatrician will guide you as to when to start solid foods.