I give out an 8-day "Breastfeeding Diary" sheet to BF moms at discharge.  It
has columns for time, right/left breast, swallowing heard, urine, and bowel
movement.  There are enough vertical spaces to record 10 feedings each day.
I explain to the moms that the baby may feed more than 10 times and that is
OK, but if it is getting close to 24 hours and he/she has had only 6 or 7
feedings, she needs to wake the baby to get in at least 8 in 24 hours.

I tell them that after 8 days they shouldn't need the diary anymore - they
will hear lots of swallowing, their breasts will be fuller before and softer
after BF, and there will be lots of diapers.  In the early days, when they
are less sure of intake, and unable to remember what happened at the last
feeding (much less to remember what happened today and what was yesterday),
it helps to write it down for reassurance.

I tell them to expect one wet diaper for each day of age, along with 1 or 2
bowel movements.  At day 5, they should see 6-8 wet diapers and 3-5 bowel
movements every 24 hours.  The diary/log is a convenience and reassurance
tool.

Barb Berges BS, RN, IBCLC
Rochester, New York

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