Medical Provider Breastfeeding Information

Medical Association Breastfeeding Position Papers

Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk Policy Statement
Breastfeeding is the physiological norm for both mothers and their children. Breastmilk offers medical and psychological benefits not available from human milk substitutes. The AAP recommends all babies, with rare exceptions, be breastfed and/or receive expressed human milk exclusively for the first six months of life. Breastfeeding should continue with the addition of complementary foods throughout the second half of the first year. Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child, and should continue as long as mutually desired. Physicians should have the knowledge to promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

Hospital use of Infant Formula in Breastfeeding Infants Position Paper
The AAFP encourages hospital staff to respect the decision of the mother who chooses to breastfeed exclusively by not offering formula, water or pacifiers to an infant unless there is a specific physician order.
The AAFP discourages distribution of formula or coupons for free or discounted formula in hospital discharge or physician office packets given to mothers who choose to breastfeed exclusively.

Breastfeeding is Priceless: No Substitute for Human Milk
Human milk is unique. Superior nutrients and beneficial substances found in human milk cannot be duplicated. Breastfeeding provides optimum health, nutritional, immunological and developmental benefits to children and protection from postpartum complications and future disease for mothers.

Breastfeeding Report Card, United States: Outcome Indicators
CDC tracks breastfeeding rates related to the Healthy People 2010 breastfeeding objectives. Outcomes data are from the annual CDC National Immunization Survey (NIS), Breastfeeding Questions and provide information on breastfeeding rates by state.
Breastfeeding Report Card: Process Indicators
The CDC National Survey of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) surveys all labor and delivery service facilities in the United States to monitor maternity care practices associated with successful breastfeeding promotion.