American Academy of Pediatrics – Official AAP Breastfeeding Policy

For most moms, it is helpful to understand the AAP Breastfeeding Policy in order to assist us in making the best decisions about the health of our children.

Although breastfeeding is again coming back into vogue, there will always be those who ask “Are you still breastfeeding?”
Especially since it wasn't common to breastfeed a generation earlier.

Sometimes it helps to remind yourself how important the decision is and why you made it. One of these reassurances for me was to know that this is not only suggested but also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The policy gives helpful insight not only into how to start breastfeeding, but also into how long to continue.

AAP Breastfeeding Policy Highlights

1. “Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants.”

2. Immediately after birth, any “procedures that interfere with breastfeeding” should be minimized.

3. Initiation of the child to breastfeeding is best facilitated by “rooming-in” with the baby’s mother.

4. Absolutely no supplements should be provided to nursing infants unless it is medically necessary. (This includes water, glucose water, or formula.)

5. Pacifiers are to be discouraged until breastfeeding is well established!

6. “Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth.”

7. Until the baby is 6 months or older, no other food other than breast milk is needed for optimal nutrition.

8. “It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least twelve months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.”

9. If the mother or baby is hospitalized, every effort should be made to continue breastfeeding…pumping if necessary.

Summarized from: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS:Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human MilkPEDIATRICS Vol. 100 No. 6 December 1997, pp. 1035-1039

**The World Health Organization suggests breastfeeding for a longer period...at least 2 years. To find out if extended breastfeeding is a good choice for you, here are some facts for moms to consider.

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