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ABM Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementary Feedings in the Healthy Term Breastfed Neonate, Revised 2017

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…

ABM Clinical Protocol #2: Guidelines for Hospital Discharge of the Breastfeeding Term Newborn and Mother: “The Going Home Protocol,” Revised 2014

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…

ABM Clinical Protocol #1: Guidelines for Blood Glucose Monitoring and Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Term and Late-Preterm Neonates, Revised 2014

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…

Organizations Supporting Breastfeeding and Promoting Lactation Knowledge

Abstract Numerous organizations are dedicated to the promotion of breastfeeding. They have become somewhat specialized to information, research, direct support for women and families, collaboration of support services, and milk banking. This section provides a limited, selected list of such organizations with contact information. Keywords : support organizations, milk banks, breastfeeding support, professional organizations Government Agencies Food and Nutrition Information Center National Agricultural Library, USA-ARS 10301…

Educating and Training Medical Professionals

Key Points Untrained health professionals contribute to poor breastfeeding outcomes the world over. Training the health care work force, especially providers, is an important component of any breastfeeding initiative. Because of the lack of training, personal experiences influence a provider’s guidance about breastfeeding, leading to care that is not evidence-based. Many studies have shown that adequate training of health care providers improves knowledge and confidence of…

Breastfeeding Support Groups and Community Resources

Key Points Breastfeeding success requires support for the mother from individuals, groups, and organizations. Peer breastfeeding support is important in any of its forms—personal, group, and professional (e.g., lactation consultants). The needs of breastfeeding mothers and their families call for the continued growth and development of governmental and nongovernmental organizations for the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding. Support for Breastfeeding The transition into motherhood, through…

Establishing a Breastfeeding Medicine Practice or Academic Department

Key Points Breastfeeding is unique in medicine as a process that occurs at the juncture of (at least) two interdependent physiologies, those of the lactating parent and of the child. Although much can be known about lactation by all types of providers, expert breastfeeding medicine providers have a role in treating complex problems facing lactating families. There are increasing numbers of breastfeeding medicine clinics and programs…

Infant Feeding After a Disaster

Key Points The care and feeding of infants and young children after any disaster is an important priority, because they are vulnerable as a result of their total dependence on adults for survival. Breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed all infants, and after a disaster it is often the safest way available. Even with maternal dehydration, malnutrition, or limited food intake, mothers’ milk will provide…

The Collection and Storage of Human Milk and Human Milk Banking

Key Points Electric pumps are not necessarily more effective than manual pumps or hand expression. Pumped milk volume can be increased with low cost interventions such as listening to music, relaxation, warming or massaging the breast, frequent pumping and starting to pump sooner after birth. Milk can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours, but under optimal conditions for 6 to 8 hours. Milk kept…

Reproductive Function During Lactation

Key Points Optimal birth spacing is essential to the health of mothers and children. The suppression of ovulation contributes to birth spacing. Return of menses and fecundity are affected by lactation (exclusivity and duration) and maternal energy balance. At the molecular level, there is evidence that the neuropeptide kisspeptin plays a role in lactation-associated fertility suppression through prolactin receptors and sensory input from suckling. Ovulation suppression…

Chestfeeding and Lactation Care for LGBTQ+ Families (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus)

Key Points LGBTQ+families may have unique experiences in providing human milk for their infants. LGBTQ+individuals may face particular barriers related to their ability to provide human milk for their infants related to discriminatory policies, restricted donor milk regulations, or anatomic/functional limitations. Appropriate care for LGBTQ+families includes the use of both respectful and affirming language and background knowledge of the physiologic impacts of any past or current…

Induced Lactation and Relactation (Including Nursing an Adopted Baby) and Cross-Nursing

Key Points Induced lactation is the process through which a nonpuerperal woman is stimulated to breastfeed an infant without a preceding pregnancy. Relactation is when a woman who has given birth but stopped breastfeeding or never initially breastfed is stimulated to lactate. Induced lactation and relactation are important processes for assisting women to nourish infants (their own or others) when circumstances have changed and there is…

Breastfeeding and Return to Work or School

Key Points Although it is not easy, mothers need not make any choice between their employment and the optimal nutrition of their infant through breastfeeding. As women’s role in the workplace continues to assert itself, employers and policy makers must ensure that proper accommodations are available to breastfeeding employees; it is good for business. Physicians must advocate for child health and parental well-being by providing sound…