AAP Policy on Breastfeeding

The AAP policy, 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. This statement details the benefits of breastfeeding, its true contraindications and those that are not, the challenge of breastfeeding in the US, recommendations for breastfeeding for healthy as well as high risk infants, and the role pediatricians play in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding.

Related AAP Policies

• An Evidence-Based Review of Important Issues Concerning Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia, AAP Technical Report, 2004
  A technical report about the evidence related to the management of hyperbilirubinemia.
  
  
• The Transfer of Drugs and Therapeutics Into Human Breast Milk: An Update on Selected Topics, AAP Clinical Report, 2013
  This clinical report discusses several topics of interest surrounding lactation, such as the use of psychotropic therapies, drugs to treat substance abuse, narcotics, galactagogues, and herbal products.
  
  
• Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation, 2004
  A clinical guideline on the management of hyperbilirubinemia in the term infant.
  
  
• Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 2008 
  A clinical report regarding the need for vitamin D supplementation for infants and children.

Policies from Other Organizations

• Breastfeeding and Lactation for Medical Trainees, American Academy of Family Physicians 
  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.
  
  
• ACOG Clinical Guidelines on Breastfeeding
  A number of committee opinion reports and resources authored or developed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
  
  
  
• Breastfeeding Policy Statement, American Academy of Family Physicians 
  A short statement identifying the American Academy of Family Physicians' stance on breastfeeding.
  
  
• Breastfeeding Position Paper, American Academy of Family Physicians 
  A paper explaining the American Academy of Family Physicians' stance on breastfeeding.
  
  
• The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding 
  This Call to Action describes specific steps people can take to participate in a society-wide approach to support mothers and babies who are breastfeeding.
  
  
• The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, Baby-Friendly USA 
  Baby-Friendly® hospitals and birthing facilities must adhere to the Ten Steps to receive, and retain, a Baby-Friendly designation.