Role of Pediatricians in Promoting and Protecting Breast-Feeding
To provide an optimum environment for breast-feeding, pediatricians should follow these recommendations: 1.
Promote and support breast-feeding enthusiastically.
In consideration of the extensive published evidence for improved outcomes in breastfed infants and their mothers, a strong position on behalf of breast-feeding is justified.
2.
Become knowledgeable and skilled in both the physiology and the clinical management of breast-feeding.
3.
Work collaboratively with the obstetric community to ensure that women receive adequate information throughout the peri-natal period to make a fully informed decision about infant feeding.
Pediatricians should also use opportunities to provide age- appropriate breast-feeding education to children and adults.
4.
Promote hospital policies and procedures that facilitate breast-feeding.
Electric breast pumps and private lactation areas should be available to all breast-feeding mothers in the hospital, both on ambulatory and inpatient services.
Pediatricians are encouraged to work actively toward eliminating hospital practices that discourage breast-feeding (e.
g infant formula discharge packs and separation of mother and infant).
5.
Become familiar with local breast-feeding resources (e.
g special supplemental Nutrition program for women, Infants and children clinics, lactation educators and consultants, lay support groups, and breast pump rental stations) so that patients can be referred appropriately.
When specialized breast-feeding services are used, pediatricians need to clarify for patients their essential role as the infant's primary medical care taker.
Effective communication among the various counselors who advise breast-feeding women is essential.
6.
Encourage routine insurance coverage for necessary breast-feeding services and supplies, including breast pump rental and the time required by pediatricians and other licensed health care professionals to assess and manage breast-feeding.
7.
Promote breast-feeding as a normal part of daily life, and encourage family and societal support for breast-feeding.
8.
Develop and maintain effective communications and collaboration with other health care providers to ensure optimal breast-feeding education, support and counsel for mother and infant.
9.
Advise mothers to return to their physician for a thorough breast examination when breast-feeding is terminated.
10.
Promote breast-feeding education as a routine component of medical school and residency education.
11.
Encourage the media to portray breast-feeding as positive and the norm.
12.
Encourage employers to provide appropriate facilities and adequate time in the workplace for breast-pumping.
The growth rate during infancy is more rapid than any other time during the life cycle.
An infant's birth weight may double by 6 months and triple by one year of life.
Providing adequate calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to support optimal growth is essential.
The most ideal feeding regimen during the first year of life is breast-feeding for the first 4 to 6 months with the introduction of age-appropriate solid foods while breast-feeding continues.
If breast-feeding is not the chosen method, or is discontinued, a commercial infant formula is appropriate.
Pediatricians support the following practices during infancy.
• Breast feeding for the first year of life with the supplementation of vitamin D from birth and iron supplementation as ferrous sulfate drops or iron-fortified cereal after 4 months of age.
Fluoride supplementation may be required after 6 months of age depending on the fluoride content of the city water supply.
• Feeding of iron-fortified commercial infant formula for the first year as an alternative to breast-feeding.
• Delaying the use of whole cow milk until after one year of age.
Early introduction of whole cow milk protein during infancy may contribute to iron-deficiency anemia by increasing gastrointestinal blood loss.
Whole cow milk has an increased renal solute load compared to infant formulas.
• Reduced fat milks should be delayed until after the second year of life.
Adequate fat intake is important for the fat for toddlers.
• Delaying the introduction of semi-solid foods until 6 months of age or until the infant demonstrates signs of developmental readiness, such as head control and ability to sit with support.
These are good measures for quality breastfeeding and as well a quality living standard for both the mother and the child.
Not only pediatricians even all stake holders involved should encourage these principles and practices.
Promote and support breast-feeding enthusiastically.
In consideration of the extensive published evidence for improved outcomes in breastfed infants and their mothers, a strong position on behalf of breast-feeding is justified.
2.
Become knowledgeable and skilled in both the physiology and the clinical management of breast-feeding.
3.
Work collaboratively with the obstetric community to ensure that women receive adequate information throughout the peri-natal period to make a fully informed decision about infant feeding.
Pediatricians should also use opportunities to provide age- appropriate breast-feeding education to children and adults.
4.
Promote hospital policies and procedures that facilitate breast-feeding.
Electric breast pumps and private lactation areas should be available to all breast-feeding mothers in the hospital, both on ambulatory and inpatient services.
Pediatricians are encouraged to work actively toward eliminating hospital practices that discourage breast-feeding (e.
g infant formula discharge packs and separation of mother and infant).
5.
Become familiar with local breast-feeding resources (e.
g special supplemental Nutrition program for women, Infants and children clinics, lactation educators and consultants, lay support groups, and breast pump rental stations) so that patients can be referred appropriately.
When specialized breast-feeding services are used, pediatricians need to clarify for patients their essential role as the infant's primary medical care taker.
Effective communication among the various counselors who advise breast-feeding women is essential.
6.
Encourage routine insurance coverage for necessary breast-feeding services and supplies, including breast pump rental and the time required by pediatricians and other licensed health care professionals to assess and manage breast-feeding.
7.
Promote breast-feeding as a normal part of daily life, and encourage family and societal support for breast-feeding.
8.
Develop and maintain effective communications and collaboration with other health care providers to ensure optimal breast-feeding education, support and counsel for mother and infant.
9.
Advise mothers to return to their physician for a thorough breast examination when breast-feeding is terminated.
10.
Promote breast-feeding education as a routine component of medical school and residency education.
11.
Encourage the media to portray breast-feeding as positive and the norm.
12.
Encourage employers to provide appropriate facilities and adequate time in the workplace for breast-pumping.
The growth rate during infancy is more rapid than any other time during the life cycle.
An infant's birth weight may double by 6 months and triple by one year of life.
Providing adequate calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to support optimal growth is essential.
The most ideal feeding regimen during the first year of life is breast-feeding for the first 4 to 6 months with the introduction of age-appropriate solid foods while breast-feeding continues.
If breast-feeding is not the chosen method, or is discontinued, a commercial infant formula is appropriate.
Pediatricians support the following practices during infancy.
• Breast feeding for the first year of life with the supplementation of vitamin D from birth and iron supplementation as ferrous sulfate drops or iron-fortified cereal after 4 months of age.
Fluoride supplementation may be required after 6 months of age depending on the fluoride content of the city water supply.
• Feeding of iron-fortified commercial infant formula for the first year as an alternative to breast-feeding.
• Delaying the use of whole cow milk until after one year of age.
Early introduction of whole cow milk protein during infancy may contribute to iron-deficiency anemia by increasing gastrointestinal blood loss.
Whole cow milk has an increased renal solute load compared to infant formulas.
• Reduced fat milks should be delayed until after the second year of life.
Adequate fat intake is important for the fat for toddlers.
• Delaying the introduction of semi-solid foods until 6 months of age or until the infant demonstrates signs of developmental readiness, such as head control and ability to sit with support.
These are good measures for quality breastfeeding and as well a quality living standard for both the mother and the child.
Not only pediatricians even all stake holders involved should encourage these principles and practices.
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