Section on Breastfeeding

Supported by a contract from the Department of Health and Human Services,

Office on Women’s Health, Reference No. 03T030012.

Breastfeeding Supportand Promotion

Copyright © 2003, Rev 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics

Healthy People 2010 Breastfeeding Goals 75% initiation in the early

postpartum period 50% at

6 months of age

25% at 1 year of age

Copyright © 2003, Rev 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics

Photo © Roni M. Chastain, RN

DHHS National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign Campaign to promote breastfeeding

and increase the rate of breastfeeding among first-time parents. Goals: Increase breastfeeding during

postpartum period to 75%. Increase breastfeeding within

6 months postpartum to 50%. Illustrates the consequences of not

breastfeeding. Also stresses the importance of exclusive breastfeeding

for 6 months.Copyright © 2003, Rev 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics

AAP Policy Statement Benefits of

breastfeeding Guidance for

initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding for health care professionals

Hospital and community advocacy

Copyright © 2003, Rev 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics

AAP Policy Statement

Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with rare exceptions.

Copyright © 2003, Rev 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics

AAP Policy Statement

Direct breastfeeding is best.

Expressed breastmilk, fortified when appropriate for premature infants, is next best.

Copyright © 2003, Rev 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics

AAP Policy Statement Pediatricians should

provide complete, current information on the benefits of breastfeeding and promote breastfeeding as a cultural norm.

A decision to choose not to breastfeed should occur only after the family has been fully informed.

Copyright © 2003, Rev 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics

Photo © Roni M. Chastain, RN

Before advising against breastfeeding or recom-mending premature weaning, weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the risks of not receiving human milk.

AAP Policy Statement

Copyright © 2003, Rev 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics