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Breastfeeding Recommended
as Best |
Human breast milk is better than infant formula as a source of
nutrition for babies, according to a new policy statement
released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Writing in the December issue of the journal Pediatrics, the
AAP's Work Group on Breastfeeding now recommends breast milk as
the "preferred" source of nutrition for almost all
babies for at least the first year of life and "for as long
as mutually desired" by mother and baby. This amends the
group's recommendation for 6 to 12 months of breastfeeding which
was issued in its 1982 policy statement.
"Extensive research, especially in recent years, documents
diverse and compelling advantages to infants, mothers, families,
and society from breastfeeding and the use of human milk in
infant feeding," the group states. "These include
health, nutritional, immunologic, developmental, psychological,
social, economic, and environmental benefits."
The statement cites research evidence from developed countries
showing that breastfeeding decreases the incidence and severity
of diarrhea, middle ear infections, lower respiratory tract
infection, bacterial meningitis, and other conditions in babies.
Breastfeeding also may offer protection against sudden infant
death syndrome, Insulin-dependent diabetes, and some allergic and
chronic digestive diseases.
For mothers, nursing a baby can reduce postpartum bleeding.
Breastfeeding may also lower the mother's risk of ovarian and
premenopausal breast cancer.
"In addition to individual health benefits, breastfeeding
provides significant social and economic benefits to the nation,
including reduced health care costs and reduced employee
absenteeism for care attributable to child illness."
According to the new policy statement:
- Newborns should be fed whenever they show signs of hunger,
which include increased alertness, activity, and mouthing. Crying
is considered a late-stage indicator of hunger.
- Breastfeeding is recommended during the first hour following
delivery, rather than beginning hours after birth as was advised
previously by the AAP.
- There should be a formal evaluation of breastfeeding
performance by a trained observer during the first 24 to 48 hours
after delivery and at a follow-up visit 48 to 72 hours after
mother and baby are discharged. The previous AAP statement
advised a follow-up visit within two weeks of discharge.
- No water, glucose (sugar) water, or formula should be given to
breastfeeding newborns unless medically indicated.
The AAP also encourages mothers to provide expressed breast milk
for their babies when nursing them directly is not possible.
SOURCE: Pediatrics (1997;100(6):1035-1039)
