Ensuring Breastfeeding Success

Abstract

The debate over infant nutrition is finally over. Researchers and the public recognize that breast milk is the optimal nutrition for all infants. We now have agreement among the public, the medical community, and government agencies, all of whom support and endorse breastfeeding as the best possible nutrition for infants. In the United States, most women want to breastfeed their babies, and the breastfeeding initiation rate continues to rise. The health benefits of breastfeeding are well documented, and the American Academy of Pediatrics announced in their most recent Breastfeeding Policy Statement that breastfeeding is a public health issue and no longer a lifestyle choice. The health benefits of both mother and infant are not fully realized unless the baby is exclusively breastfed for about 6 months and nursed for at least 1 year. The health of the baby is a dose-response: it is directly related to how much breast milk the infant receives. The mother’s health benefits are directly related to how long she nurses each infant and is cumulative. The United States is achieving the initiation rate but the exclusivity of breast milk and the duration of breastfeeding are rising slowly. Recommendations for improving the exclusivity of breastfeeding have been identified as continuous, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after the birth until the first feeding occurs, giving only breast milk, 24-hour rooming in, breastfeeding on demand, limiting pacifier use, and breastfeeding support after discharge. This article will address these 6 steps.