Printable breastfeeding log

When a breastfeeding log can help

Use this sheet for a specific, short question. You might want to remember the starting side through a foggy night, show a lactation consultant what the last day looked like, or note when discomfort happens. Those are practical jobs for a record.

What is worth recording

Start with the facts you can observe: when the feed began, which breast you offered first, whether you noticed rhythmic swallowing, how feeding felt and whether your baby came off on their own. The nappy boxes add a little context without turning the page into a full diary.

Duration can be useful when a professional has asked about it, but a long or short timer does not tell you by itself whether a feed was effective. The NHS looks at attachment, swallowing, your baby’s behaviour, nappies and weight together.

What this log cannot measure

A breastfeeding timer cannot measure the amount of milk transferred. Nor can it diagnose low supply, tongue-tie, poor attachment or another feeding problem. Try not to keep your baby on or off the breast to produce a particular number on the sheet. Responsive feeding starts with your baby, not the grid.

Take the page to the right person

If feeding hurts, your baby is difficult to wake for feeds, you cannot hear or see swallowing once milk has come in, or you are worried about nappy output or weight, ask for skilled help. A midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist can watch a feed and consider the record alongside your baby.