Print this free chart to track feedings, pees and poops during baby's first week.  Record the time of each feeding and which breast you started on.  You can also note how long each session was.  Track the number of pees and poops to make sure baby is well hyrdated. 

download free chart (pdf or gif)
(opens image full size in new browser window for you to print or save) 

1. To get a good start to breastfeeding and to make sure your milk comes in, you should breastfeed your baby at least 8-12 times each 24 hour period.  Your goal should be to feed every 2 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours at night.  
    
2. Don't worry TOO much if your baby is not pooping according to the diaper goals on my chart.  Breastfed babies have stooling patterns that vary GREATLY - some babies poop with each feeding while others only poop once a day or every third day (because some women's milk is so well absorbed that there is no waste left to make poop with)!!  As long as the baby is acting well, feeding well, urinating according to my chart, and the abdomen is soft and nontender you shouldn't be concerned with the number of poops, since anywhere from 0 - 20 can be perfectly normal.  
    
3. Although colostrom is likely to start coming out in the first few days after delivery (you can check by squeezing nipple),  real breastmilk may not "come in" until 3-5 days after delivery! And "mature" milk can take 1 to 2 weeks! Babies (full term) do not have high caloric needs when they are first born so as long as you are nursing 8-12 times a day and baby has wet diapers you should not need to supplement with formula.  However, you should talk to your doctor if baby appears jaundiced, dehyrated, or if you have any other concerns. 
    
4. Remember that milk production follows the supply and demand rule.  You will make as much milk as your body thinks it NEEDS to make.  So the more often you breastfeed, the more milk you have.  Breastfeed as often as possible in the beginning! Supplementing too early with formula often times sabotages breastfeeding - if you skip a feeding because you think you don't have enough milk, then you will only produce less milk for the next feeding.  
    
5. Alternate the breast you start on for each feeding regardless of whether baby feeds from one or both breasts. 
    
6. The 8-12 feedings is a minimum recommendation, but some babies will feed more frequently.  That is ok too!
    
7. The first week of breastfeeding is a learning experience for both Mother and Baby.  Learning to breastfeed may be one of the hardest things you do as a mother BUT remember that it only gets easier and easier.
     
8. Get support! If you are having any trouble (and most new moms do) don't hesitate to call your pediatrician, a lactation consultant, your local la leche league, or go to my favorite breastfeeding website KellyMom.com.