American Academy of Pediatrics Updated Guidelines
Orlando Doulas knows that staying updated with information is essential. Knowledge is power. This week the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for safe infant sleep (6/21/22) and breastfeeding/chestfeeding (6/27/22). It had been 5 and 10 years respectively since the previous updates, and while not much is different, staying up-to-date is essential to you and us.
That being the case, this two-part blog series highlights the relevant changes.
Part 1: Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
The Update
On 6/27, the AAP updated its recommendations for breastfeeding/chestfeeding. The guidance recommends breastfeeding/chestfeeding for six months, with complementary (solid) foods introduced around six months. In addition, the latest update supports continued breastfeeding/chestfeeding until two years or beyond “as mutually desired by mother and child.” Reports from 2012 recommended continued breast/chestfeeding through one year of age.
As a result, the guidelines now align with those of the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Canadian Pediatric Society.
The Change
The report Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk used studies that show the benefits of breastfeeding/chestfeeding to update its recommendations. Data reveal human milk continues to be a significant source of macronutrients and immune-building factors for toddlers into the second year of life. Additionally, the research confirmed the impact of breastfeeding/chestfeeding longer than 12 months on maternal health. The data suggest that continued breastfeeding/chestfeeding into the 2nd year and beyond may decrease type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast and ovarian cancer rates.
However, there are contraindications to breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Therefore working closely with your healthcare professionals is advised.
The Importance
The change from one year to two years is not that critical. However, the report provides vital guidance to hospitals, pediatricians, and others. While recognizing the challenges associated with breastfeeding/chestfeeding, the AAP has made these key recommendations:
- Birth Centers and hospitals should implement maternity care practices that improve breastfeeding/chestfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity.
- Pediatricians need too knowledgeable about the health benefits of breastfeeding/chestfeeding and its management. That being the case, pediatricians should implement supportive practices in their offices and partner with community resources such as lactation specialists.
- Most maternal health conditions, medications, and vaccinations are compatible with breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Additionally, healthcare professionals can use LactMed as a resource to support this.
- Pediatricians can assist parents who have given birth to preterm and other vulnerable infants in establishing milk supply by working with hospital staff to facilitate early frequent milk expression.
- Pasteurized donor mill is recommended for deficient birth weight infants when the mother’s milk is unavailable or as a necessary supplement.
- Pediatricians can support culturally sensitive policies that support breastfeeding/chestfeeding families and address inequities in the delivery of care in the office, hospital, and community to eliminate disparities.
- Pediatricians play a vital role in leading and advocating for policies that protect breastfeeding/chestfeeding, including universal paid maternity leave and insurance coverage for lactation support and breast pumps.
Keeping You Supported
In conclusion, Orlando Doulas knows that breastfeeding/chestfeeding can be difficult and requires significant effort and tremendous support. Because of this and other reasons, it is not the right choice for everyone, and that’s ok. However, with the new guidelines from the AAP, we should expect more support from healthcare professionals, insurance companies, and employers to help those families that choose breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
We support your choice no matter how you feed your baby! And we are here with education, information, and physical support through your journey.
For complete pdf reports from the AAP, leave a comment below with where to send them.
And be sure to check back soon for the updated guidelines for safe sleep.
References
- https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/20528/Updated-AAP-guidance-recommends-longer
- https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2022/american-academy-of-pediatrics-calls-for-more-support-for-breastfeeding-mothers-within-updated-policy-recommendations/
- https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/129/3/e827/31785/Breastfeeding-and-the-Use-of-Human-Milk
