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 Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Developed Countries 
  The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality published this review of the evidence pertaining to the impact of breastfeeding on infant and maternal health.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding — Developed by HHS 
  This blueprint identifies a plan for the US to implement and increase breastfeeding rates
  
  
• Special Report from ACOG, Breastfeeding: Maternal and Infant Aspects, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 
  A paper explaining the opinion of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding breastfeeding.
  
  
• The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, Baby-Friendly USA 
  The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative's Ten Steps to creating a Baby Friendly hospital.