Considerable advances have occurred in
recent years in the scientific knowledge of the benefits of
breastfeeding, the mechanisms underlying these benefits,
and in the clinical management of breastfeeding.
This policy statement on breastfeeding replaces the 1997
policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics
and reflects this newer knowledge and the supporting
publications. The benefits of breastfeeding for the infant,
the mother, and the community are summarized,
and recommendations to guide the pediatrician and other
health care professionals in assisting mothers in the initiation
and maintenance of breastfeeding for healthy
term infants and high-risk infants are presented. The
policy statement delineates various ways in which pediatricians
can promote, protect, and support breastfeeding
not only in their individual practices but also in the
hospital, medical school, community, and nation