Breastfeeding Log is a ready-to-use Excel template designed to assist mothers in effortlessly recording feeding times, accompanied by a recommended feeding schedule for the first year of a newborn’s life.
This template also incorporates a printable version of the Breastfeeding Log, enabling mothers to maintain a record without the necessity of a smart device.
Adequate breastfeeding is imperative for a newborn child. Consequently, medical professionals strongly recommend maintaining a log of breastfeeding sessions.
This critical period in a newborn’s life is crucial for growth, and providing adequate amounts of breast milk at appropriate intervals contributes significantly to the proper development of the infant.
While mobile applications exist to facilitate this process, it is advisable to limit a newborn’s exposure to the radiation emitted by smartphones. Additionally, maintaining a physical record can serve as a valuable reference for both the mother and healthcare professionals during routine check-ups or in case of any concerns.
Why Breastfeeding Is Important?
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits. Foremost, it is the natural source of nourishment for infants and poses no adverse side effects. It is highly advisable for a mother to breastfeed her child rather than relying solely on external formula feeding. This practice not only provides essential nutrients but also fosters a strong maternal bond.
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
- It provides essential nutrients required by the newborn in the appropriate proportions, ensuring optimal growth and development.
- Breastfeeding strengthens the infant’s immune system, protecting them from various allergies, obesity, and illnesses common during early childhood.
- Easily digestible and hence fewer chances of diarrhea.
- Breastfed infants tend to maintain healthier weights throughout their development, reducing the risk of childhood obesity and associated complications.
Additional Advantages of Breastfeeding
- Breast milk is readily available and accessible to the infant, subject to the mother’s health and nutritional status.
- The temperature of breast milk is naturally regulated, ensuring it is neither too hot nor too cold for the infant’s delicate digestive system.
- Breastfeeding is a hygienic and cost-effective practice, eliminating the need for purchasing and preparing formula.
- There is no waste associated with breastfeeding, making it a great choice.
- The intimate act of breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child, fostering a sense of security and attachment.
Source: https://www.health.ny.gov
Breastfeeding and Food Schedule
Introducing solid foods at an early stage is not recommended. It is crucial to consult your child’s healthcare provider before transitioning to solid foods. External foods should not be given to the newborn during the initial four months of life.
The reasons are:
- The intestines of a newborn are not fully developed enough to digest solid foods efficiently, potentially leading to digestive issues and discomfort.
- Premature introduction of solid foods can contribute to improper growth patterns, including obesity, which can have long-term health implications.
The Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital has given detailed research about which food to give and when to give along with their proportions that are advisable for the newborn.
You can read the research here:
Feeding Guide for the First Year
Breastfeeding Log Excel Template
We have created a concise and user-friendly Breastfeeding Log Excel Template designed to assist you in recording the date, time, and duration of each feeding session.
Additionally, a printable version of the same template is available, enabling you to maintain a physical record that can be conveniently carried with you during visits with your pediatrician.
Furthermore, the template incorporates a recommended feeding schedule to be followed for the proper growth and development of the child.
Click here to download the Breastfeeding Log Excel Template.
You can download other health & fitness templates like Baby Food Log, Blood Sugar Log, Blood Pressure Log, Food Calorie Calculator, Weight Loss Log and much more.
Let us discuss the contents of the template in detail.
Contents of Breastfeeding Log Excel Template
This template consists of 3 sheets:
- Daily Feeding Log.
- Printable Feeding Log
- Recommended Feeding Schedule for the First Year.
Daily Feeding Log
In this sheet, you can maintain a record of daily feeding sessions, including the date, time, and duration of each feed. The sheet is divided into two sections: one for the child’s personal information, and the other for the daily feeding log.
In the personal information section, you need to enter two details: the child’s name and date of birth. Upon entering the date of birth, the template automatically calculates the child’s age in years, months, and days.
The second section is for a daily feeding log. It consists of the following columns:
Date: Insert the date.
Day: This field is auto-populated. It will display the day corresponding to the entered date.
Time: Insert the time.
AM/PM: Select AM or PM from the drop-down list.
Breast Side: Select the breast side, left or right, from the drop-down list.
Duration: Enter the duration of the feeding session.
Complications (if any): If any issues or complications arise, you can note them in this column to report to your pediatrician.
Printable Breastfeeding Log
This sheet is a replica of the previous sheet but is formatted in a grayscale, ink-saving format. You can print this sheet and keep it beside your baby’s cradle or your bed for convenient record-keeping.
Click here to download the Printable Breastfeeding Log.
Recommended Breastfeeding Schedule for the First Year
This section provides an age-wise recommended schedule for the amount of feeding a newborn should receive, along with approximate feeding times. This information has been compiled from extensive research.
This template can be helpful to mothers and pediatricians can also share the same with their patients.
Disclaimer: This template has been created with a general overview. It is highly recommended that you consult your Pediatricians or Health Care Professional for the limits of giving breastfeeding and other related issues.
We thank our readers for liking, sharing and following us on different social media platforms.
If you have any queries please share in the comment section below. We will be more than happy to assist you.
Leave a Reply