Breastfeeding Observation Form
This form can be copied and used during observation of breastfeeds and used as a tool to assess breastfeeding when highlighting feeding concerns eg; weight loss.
Signs that breastfeeding is going well / Signs of possible difficulty_ Mother fully relaxed and comfortable
_ Close body contact between baby and mother
_ Baby’s head and body in line
_ Baby’s whole body supported
_ Baby’s upper lip opposite nipple before attachment
_ Baby’s chin touches the breast during the feed / Body Position / _ Mother not relaxed, e.g. shoulders tense
_ Baby’s body not held close to the mother
_ Baby has to twist head and neck to feed
_ Only shoulder or head supported
_ Baby’s lower lip opposite nipple before attachment
_ Baby’s chin does not touch the breast
_ Baby reaches or roots for the breast
_ Baby explores the breast with tongue
_ Baby calm and alert at the breast
_ Baby stays attached to the breast
_ Signs of milk release (e.g. leaking) / Responses / _ No response to the breast
_ Baby not interested in the breast
_ Baby restless or fussy
_ Baby slips off the breast
_ No sign of milk release
_ Secure, confident hold
_ Face to face attention from the mother
_ Baby touched a lot by mother / Emotional bonding / _ Nervous, shaking or limp hold
_ No mother / baby eye contact
_ Little touching of baby by mother
_ Breasts soft and full
_ Nipple prominent and protractile
_ Skin appears healthy
_ Breasts look round and full during a feed
_ If visible, more areola above baby’s top lip / Anatomy / _ Breast hard and engorged
_ Nipples flat or inverted, or very long or very big
_ Skin damaged
_ Breasts look stretched or pulled
_ If visible, more areola below baby’s bottom lip
_ Baby’s mouth wide open
_ Lower lip turned outwards
_ Checks rounded
_ Slow, deep sucking bursts with pauses
_ Can see or hear swallowing
_ Rhythmic swallowing seen / Suckling / _ Baby’s mouth pursed, lips point forward
_ Lower lip turned in
_ Cheeks tense or pulled in
_ Rapid shallow sucks
_ Can hear smacking or clicking sounds
_ Occasional swallowing seen throughout the feed
_ Baby releases the breast spontaneously
Time spent feeding ………. Minutes / Termination of a feed / _ Mother takes baby off the breast
Notes