Should I keep a breastfeeding

Question

I've kept a record of feedings since my son was born. He is now a month old and feeding on demand. Should I still keep a journal? Are there any breastfeeding moms who don't?

Answer 1

I was encouraged to keep a breastfeeding record at the hospital so that they could see how I was progressing.  When I asked for a copy of the recording chart to take home so I could continue monitoring it, they said "no" as they don't recommend spending too much time monitoring it but just to keep in mind from one feed to the other how long your baby fed to determine when they may be hungry again.  I breastfed my son on demand and continued until he was one year old.

It worked for me but its a personal choice so if you want to continue recording it, go ahead.

Best of luck and congratulations on your breastfeeding success so far.

Answer 2

A journal is a wonderful idea. A month old seems a little young to quit breast feeding, but it is your decision. Personally I would keep doing it for a while, but if you have a hectic schedule and breast feeding is time consuming and difficult then formula might be a good option. It is not quite as healthy as breast milk, but at least your baby will be fed and happy.

Answer 3

I don't I never did. I always meant to but some how I never got around to it. Even in the hospital I would forget. I actually had one nurse yell at me for not keeping a record of my son's activity and my pain pills when I was so doped up on codeine that I couldn't even take care of my son. He was in the nursery the whole time. So nope I could never get there. I figure if they are gaining weight and pooping and peeing alot then they are okay. And trust me you will realize it when you have changed a diaper in a couple of hours. Just make sure that before you feed you change a diaper. Great way to keep track of input and out put.

Answer 4

There isn't really a need to keep a record.

As long as your baby is gaining weight and you are getting wet nappies then thats a good enough record :). Best of luck.

Answer 5

I am a breastfeeding mom who never kept a journal of when my babies nursed or for how long.  Is your baby gaining weight appropriately?  Wetting and pooping the right number of diapers a day?  If yes, then you don't need to keep a journal.  With my second child the nursery nurse in the hospital came and asked me when he had nursed and for how long, I told her when he cued I nursed him and when he let go, he was done.  They want to make sure a good nursing relationship is established at the beginning, but by now that has been established along with your milk supply, and as long as the baby is gaining correctly it's ok.

Answer 6

I only did because my baby had jaundice and they wanted to make sure that she was getting enough fluids to flush out the jaundice.. but after it was completely gone I stopped with the journal.. it is just a headache and I never remembered to do it.

Answer 7

I NEVER kept a journal when I was breastfeeding. When I was exclusively pumping I did for the first few weeks but stopped.

No reason you need to.

Answer 8

I never used a journal at all. My twins are 4months old and I found it better to feed on demand. It may take time to find what works for you and baby but dont give up just yet. congrats on your son

Answer 9

Personally i didn't keep a journal, what would be fun though is if you carried on breast feeding and keeping a journal you could embarrass him when he's older bringing his girlfriend home to meet you. (like meet the fookers).  "He was a hungry little sod, sucked me dry" lmao

Answer 10

The only time I have ever recorded any of my babies' feeding schedule is in the hospital when they want a record and when I've done sleep journaling to try and help my son who was an AWFUL sleeper.  If you are comfortable knowing that your son is being fed well, then there should be no reason to keep a journal (unless there's an undisclosed medical issue).  

I'm sure that you have your son's best interests in mind and you have learned his cues well enough to know that he's getting what he needs!

The important thing is that you just make sure he continues to grow and be happy and healthy.