What Should We Be Promoting?

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), The World Health Organization (WHO), and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all agree: Babies should be exclusively breastfed for six months.  At six months, complementary foods should be added.  Children should continue breastmilk as their only liquid until 1 year of age.  At 1 year, other milks and water can be introduced.  Mothers should be encouraged to continue to breastfeed until at least age 2 or as long as mother and child both desire.

Breastfeeding is the norm for both mothers and babies. Although much focus is given on the benefits for babies, including lower risk of multiple infectious diseases, lower risk of several autoimmune diseases, decreased risk of childhood leukemia, decreased risk of obesity, and improved IQ, attention should also be given to the health benefits for mothers.^1,2  In addition to improved postpartum weight loss, women who breastfeed have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.^2,3

Informed Choice

Providers must empower families to make informed decisions about infant feeding by discussing the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the health risks of infant formula, and the recommended infant feeding guidelines put forth by the WHO, AAP, and AAFP.⁴

What Obstacles Do Mothers Encounter When Attempting To Breastfeed?

In the Surgeon General’s Call to Action, published January 2011, several important obstacles were identified.⁵  They included the following:

·         Lack of experience or understanding among family members of how best to support mothers and babies