AAP Reaffirms Breastfeeding Policy

Infants should begin life with 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, followed by another 6 months of continued breastfeeding with other foods being gradually introduced, according to an updated policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

This update expands upon the AAP’s breastfeeding policy, first published in 2005, calling for health care providers and hospitals to encourage breastfeeding during the first year of an infant’s life.

"Recently, published evidence-based studies have confirmed and quantitated the risks of not breastfeeding,” the authors wrote.

"Thus, infant feeding should not be considered as a lifestyle choice, but rather as a basic health issue. As such, the pediatrician's role in advocating and supporting proper breastfeeding practices is essential and vital for the achievement of this preferred public health goal."

Breastfeeding has been shown to increase the chance of mothers returning to pre-pregnancy weight and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and breast and ovarian cancer. 

“Pediatricians play a critical role in their practices and communities as advocates of breastfeeding and thus should be knowledgeable about the health risks of not breastfeeding, the economic benefits to society of breastfeeding, and the techniques for managing and supporting the breastfeeding dyad,” the authors wrote.

-Michael Potts