Breastfeeding Advocacy
Exclusive breastfeeding of infants for about 6 months and continued breastfeeding for at least 12 months is a goal for mothers and their healthy infants to achieve.
The AAP recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, with exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months.1 Other major health professional organizations agree with this recommendation for most infants in the United States. Examples of these organizations include the American Academy of Family Physicians,2 the American Dietetic Association,3 and the American Public Health Association.4
AAP supports the position that breastfeeding ensures the best possible health, as well as the best developmental and psychosocial outcomes for the infant. Exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for about the first 6 months of life.1
References
1American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy Statement. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 2012:129(3):e827-e841.
2American Academy of Family Physicians. Breastfeeding (Policy Statement). http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/policies/b/breastfeedingpolicy.htmlExternal
3James DC, Lessen R; American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association: promoting and supporting breastfeeding. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(11):1926-1942. http://www.eatright.org/About/Content.aspx?id=8377External
4American Public Health Association. A Call to Action on Breastfeeding: A Fundamental Public Health Issue. Policy Date 11/6/2007. Policy No.200714. Policy Statement Database. http://www.apha.org/policies-and-advocacy/public-health-policy-statements/policy-database/2014/07/29/13/23/a-call-to-action-on-breastfeeding-a-fundamental-public-health-issueExternal