BREAST-FEEDING AND THE USE OF HUMAN-MILK

This policy statement on breastfeeding replaces the previous policy st atement of the American Academy of Pediatrics, reflecting the consider able advances that have occurred in recent years in the scientific kno wledge of the benefits of breastfeeding, in the mechanisms underlying these benefits, and in the practice of breastfeeding. This document su mmarizes the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, the mother, and the nation, and sets forth principles to guide the pediatrician and ot her health care providers in the initiation and maintenance of breastf eeding. The policy statement also delineates the various ways in which pediatricians can promote, protect, and support breastfeeding, not on ly in their individual practices but also in the hospital, medical sch ool, community, and nation.