In my earlier comments about logs, I was referring primarily to
their use after mom and baby go home.  I certainly understand that
most hospitals need some kind of record for the time baby is there.
In addition, this is when things get going and when potential
problems (e.g., no stool by 24 hours or more MAY indicate  an
anatomical problem and needs to be observed and possibly checked
out).  Some places have used one of the breastfeeding scoring
methods with mixed reception by the staff nurses.  Certainly, some
can be effective in documenting progress toward effective nursing
for a slow-starter, but may be "overkill" for a baby who is doing
well.
I have had frustration with nurses who record "nw" (for "nursed
well") and then go on to report mom's nipples are raw or baby has
lost >10 of birth weight etc.  Some seem to feel that if baby has
been in the vicinity of the breast it has nursed!
I have encouraged our staff to consider the following to be criteria
for "nw"
  1. mom reports the feeding was comfortable
  2. baby is noted to have deep jaw excursions during most of the
feeding times or audible swallows are heard (I give both because the
"eh, eh" that is the first few days swallowing is sometimes hard to
hear)
  3. baby seems content after feeding (no specific time given, but
is baby is immediately rooting or sucking on fists after letting the
breast go, further assessment is warranted).
We're still debating whether to go to a breastfeeding score or not.
One reason I prefer to suggest that mom use any sheet of paper to
count diapers the first few days is that it keeps it informal.  As
soon as we give her a form, we are formalizing (no pun intended) the
records.
Winnie Mading RNC, IBCLC

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