Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk

Abstract

Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. The short- and long-term medical and neurodevelopmental advantages of breastfeeding make breastfeeding, or the provision of human milk, a public health imperative. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond. These recommendations are consistent with those of the World Health Organization (WHO). Medical contraindications to breastfeeding are rare. The AAP recommends that birth hospitals or centers implement maternity care practices shown to improve breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Joint Commission monitor breastfeeding practices in US hospitals. Pediatricians play a critical role in hospitals, their practices, and communities as advocates of breastfeeding and, thus, need to be trained about the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children and in managing breastfeeding.

Young Child Nutrition: Knowledge and Surveillance Gaps across the Spectrum of Feeding

“…Breast milk is considered the gold standard nutrition for the first year of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends continuing breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods at about six months through the first two years of life or beyond, as long as mutually desired by mother and child [ 6 ]. However, during the second year of life, only 7–12% of young children in the US still receive human milk, consuming about 320 mL/day [ 7 , 8 ] or 20% of a toddler’s energy needs.…”

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Pulmonary Edema, and Sodium Toxicity: A Grounded Theory

“…Coincidently, a recent study found degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the majority of 36 SIDS cases, compared to no effect in control infants [ 74 ], a finding that is concordant with harm in SIDS from cow milk consumption. Infants’ exposure to excessive minerals in cow milk and other solid foods with potential risk associated with sodium toxicity and SIDS can be reduced by recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months after birth, as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics [ 75 ] and the World Health Organization [ 76 ].…”

It's time to rethink breastfeeding

“…Breastfeeding came to mind immediately and the literature confi rmed what I already knew: Breastfeeding is recommendedespecially during the fi rst months of life-and disparity in breastfeeding is evident among Black women. 1,2 ■ The multiple facets of breastfeeding The issue is complex, and the effect of racism, bias, and discrimination on rates of breastfeeding is not well understood. 3 Breastfeeding is benefi cial to mother and baby.…”