Nancy Sherwood LLLL, IBCLC asked for the actual wording of the
AAP (American Accademy of Pediatrics) recommendations concerning the age to
wean.

The latest official policy statement is as follows:  "The American Academy
of Pediatrics recommends that infants be fed breastmilk for the first six to
twelve months of life."  (The Use of Whole Cows Milk in Infancy. Pediatrics
89:1105-1109, 1992).

The AAP policy does not state that breastfeeding should terminate at twelve
months.  It simply makes no statement with regard to length of time beyond
twelve months.

The statement goes on to add: "Appropriate solid foods should be added
between the ages of four and six months." (Pediatrics 89:1105-1109, 1992)

There are no new policy statements on duration of breastfeeding from the
American Academy of Pediatrics at this time.  The AAP Workgroup on
Breastfeeding is in the process of preparing an expanded and revised policy
statement on breastfeeding, but it is still in review and will not be
released until it has been approved by the board of directors and published.
Thus, it is not likely to be released for at least another six months.
                                                Larry Gartner

Lawrence M. Gartner, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and OBstetrics/Gynecology
The University of Chicago
MC6060
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: (312) 702-0389
FAX: (312) 702-0764
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]