What does the American Academy of Pediatrics say about breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer.

WHO recommended breastfeeding?

WHO and UNICEF recommend: early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth; exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and. introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

When should a mother avoid breastfeeding and what are the contraindications?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following:

  • infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency)
  • mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

What is the AAFP’s breastfeeding policy?

Breastfeeding is the physiological norm for both mothers and their children. Breastmilk offers medical and psychological benefits not available from human milk substitutes. The AAFP recommends that all babies, with rare exceptions, be breastfed and/or receive expressed human milk exclusively for the first six months of life.

What is the purpose of a breastfeeding protocol?

Breastfeeding protocols, for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants. A policy supporting breastfeeding and lactation accommodations for medical trainees, which can serve as a model policy for other medical organizations and/or medical institutions.

What is the role of the family physician in supporting breastfeeding?

Family physicians should have the knowledge to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. (1989) (2017 COD) Please refer to the AAFP’s position paper on Breastfeeding for more information on the family physician’s role in supporting breastfeeding.

What policies do the AAP and other organizations have on human milk?

Below are policies from the AAP and other organizations on human milk feeding and lactation. Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk is one of the most accessed policies available from the AAP because of its importance for the health of families here in the US and throughout the world.