title: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: Lawrence M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Gartner
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.forename: Ruth A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: Audrey J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Naylor
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Hare
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Schanler
authors.forename: Arthur I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Eidelman
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002657:Child Development; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control; D008895:Milk, Human; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010372:Pediatrics; D010819:Physician's Role; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014481:United States