AAP revises breast-feeding recommendations

March 2005

The AAP, long-time advocates of breast-feeding, issued a revised statement on “Breast-feeding and the use of human milk” to replace its 1997 recommendations. New research stressing the benefits of breast-feeding prompted the policy revision. The recommendations appear in the February issue of Pediatrics.

	Data show that breast-feeding can decrease the incidence or severity of conditions such as bacterial meningitis, diarrhea, otitis media and urinary tract infections in infants.

Data show that breast-feeding can decrease the incidence or severity of conditions such as bacterial meningitis, diarrhea, otitis media and urinary tract infections in infants. Research has also suggested that breast-feeding may offer protection against asthma, diabetes and obesity and that postneonatal infant mortality rates are reduced 21% in breast-fed infants in the United States. Breast-feeding has also been associated with a slight increase in performance on cognitive development tests.

Data also indicate that breast-feeding offers benefits to the mothers as well. Breast-feeding may reduce a woman’s chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer and may decrease the risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Women who breast-feed also experience a decrease in postpartum bleeding and an earlier return to their pre-pregnancy weights.

In detail

Some of the AAP recommendations:

• Exclusive breast-feeding for the first 6 months of age and support for breast-feeding for the first year and beyond if desired by mother and child;
• Self-examination of breasts for lumps throughout lactation, not just after weaning;
• Support for efforts of parents and the courts to ensure the continuation of breast-feeding in cases of custody, separation and visitation;
• Recognition and incorporation of cultural diversity regarding breast-feeding practices; and
• Counsel for adoptive mothers regarding the benefits of induced lactation from hormonal therapy or mechanical stimulation.

To facilitate breast-feeding, mother and child should sleep in proximity to one another, the recommendations state. Newborns should be evaluated at 3 to 5 days of age and again at 2 to 3 weeks of age by a pediatrician or other health care professional to ensure the infant is feeding and growing well.

For more information:

• AAP. Policy statement. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 2005;115(2):496-506.