Six years have transpired since publication of the last policy statement
of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding breastfeeding.
Recently published research and systematic reviews have reinforced
the conclusion that breastfeeding and human milk are the reference
normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. The current
statement (American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Breastfeeding.
Policy statement: breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics.
2012;129[3]:e827–e841. Available at: www.pediatrics.org/content/129/
3/e827.full updates the evidence for this conclusion and serves as a
basis for AAP publications that detail breastfeeding management and
infant nutrition. The AAP reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive
breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding
as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation
of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother
and infant.