What is the AAP policy for breastfeeding?

AAP’s Comprehensive Breastfeeding Policy
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stands firmly behind the health benefits of breastfeeding, advocating for it as the optimal method of infant nutrition. Their policy emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding not just as a personal choice, but as a public health imperative.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Recommendations
The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of an infant’s life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk, with no additional foods or liquids, unless medically indicated. This exclusive period is crucial as it provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from various diseases and conditions.
ContinuationThe AAP’s Policy on Breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a strong and comprehensive policy on breastfeeding that is based on extensive scientific evidence. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months of a baby’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding with the introduction of complementary foods for at least 2 years and beyond, as mutually desired by the mother and child.
The AAP recognizes breastfeeding as the normative standard for infant feeding and nutrition, providing numerous short-term and long-term health benefits for both the baby and the mother. The AAP states that infant nutrition should be considered a public health issue, not just a lifestyle choice.
Key Recommendations from the AAP
– Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months of life: The AAP recommends that infants be fed only breastmilk, without any other liquids or solids, for the first 6 months. ,,
– Continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 2 years and beyond: After the introduction of complementary foods around 6 months, the AAP advises continued breastfeeding for at least the first 2 years of life, and for as long as mutually desired by the mother and child. , ,
– Breastfeeding support for medical trainees: The AAP has a specific policy supporting breastfeeding and lactation accommodations for medical trainees, which can serve as a model for other medical organizations.
Overall, the AAP’s breastfeeding policy is firmly rooted in the extensive scientific evidence demonstrating the significant health benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. The AAP’s recommendations aim to promote and support breastfeeding as the optimal infant feeding choice.

What is the breastfeeding policy?

WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water. Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night.

What are the AAP recommendations for milk?

The AAP recommends that children stay on whole milk until they are two years of age—unless there is a reason to switch to low-fat milk sooner. Whole milk contains approximately 4% milk fat.

Why did AAP change breastfeeding?

The reason for this change, according to the AAP, is because of the evidence of continued benefits to breastfeeding past 12 months, especially for breastfeeding parents. For example, breastfeeding for a longer duration lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

What are the current AAP guidelines on breastfeeding?

• The AAP recommends that babies consume only breast milk for about the first 6 months. There is no need to give your baby infant formula or other sources of nutrition.
• Beyond 6 months, we recommend continued breastfeeding along with other nutritious foods. Your baby does not need any infant or toddler formula.

What are the new guidelines for breastfeeding?

How long should infants be breastfed? Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months is recommended. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends continued breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods until children are 12 months or older.

What is the government policy on breastfeeding?

Workplace regulations require employers to provide suitable facilities where pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can rest. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that it’s good practice for employers to provide a private, healthy and safe environment for breastfeeding mothers to express and store milk.

What are the AAP recommendations for breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months. We support continued breastfeeding after solid foods are introduced as long as you and your baby desire, for 2 years or beyond.

What is the federal breastfeeding policy?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view to express breast milk while at work. This right is available for up to one year after the child’s birth.

What is the AAP policy on breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond.

What is the current breastfeeding policy?

Breastfeeding. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans [PDF-30.6MB] recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months, and then continuing breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods until your child is 12 months old or older.