Guidelines outline the importance of breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new breast-feeding guidelines in 1997 outlining the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.

"We hope that pediatricians, employers, the media, and the general public will use these guidelines to support breastfeeding," said Richard Schanler, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Schanler studies the benefits of breast milk at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center. "Breastfeeding should be portrayed as a natural part of everyday life."

The AAP believes that breastfeeding should be the exclusive source of nourishment for the first six months of life. From 6 to 12 moths of age, breastfeeding should be complemented with the introduction of solid foods. Mother should start breastfeeding eight to 12 times per day, 10 to 15 minutes on each breast. The frequency and amount of time for each feeding will decrease over time as the infant becomes more efficient at obtaining milk.

"A newborn infant needs to nurse frequently to stimulate milk production and ensure an adequate milk supply. If milk does not come in, the infant might not achieve an adequate intake and can become dehydrated," said Schanler, a neonatologist at Texas Children's Hospital. "As more milk is produced and available, the baby will take more at each feeding and the number of feedings per day will decrease."

Unfortunately, time constraints and workplace inconvenience sometimes force working mothers to curtail breastfeeding once they are back on the job.

"We hope this statement will prompt employers to encourage, and not discourage, women who want to breastfeed," said Schanler, one of the authors of the guidelines. "Companies should allow women at least three breaks during the day, so they can pump their milk in a clean, private area, and also give them a place to store it."

Women who breastfeed have healthier babies. This translates into more time spent at work and less time home caring for a sick child.

Studies have shown decreased incidences of ear infections, diarrhea, and some respiratory problems in breastfed babies," said Schanler. "other studies suggest that breastfeeding may be associated with a decreased incidence of some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, lymphoma, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis."

Research has also shown that mothers who breastfeed lower their own incidences of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer, and reduce their risk of bone fractures from osteoporosis later in life.

"Mothers who breastfeed are paving the way for a healthier life for themselves and are providing their infants with good health through nutrition," said Schanler.