ABM Clinical Protocol #19: Breastfeeding Promotion in the Prenatal Setting, Revision 2015

Abstract

A central goal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is the development of clinical protocols for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient .

Background

BREASTFEEDING PROVIDES IDEAL INFANT nutrition and is physiologic for mothers and children. Pregnant women often make a decision regarding breastfeeding early in pregnancy, and many have already decided whether to breastfeed prior to conception. Encouragement and education from healthcare providers result in increased breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration. Yet, healthcare providers consistently overestimate the amount and adequacy of counseling and support that pregnant women receive. Although the focus of this protocol is on the prenatal setting, programs or interventions that include preconception, prenatal, and postnatal components should be strongly considered as they appear to yield larger positive results on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.

The quality of evidence (levels of evidence I, II-1, II-2, II-3, and III) is based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Appendix A Task Force Ratings and is noted throughout this protocol in parentheses.