I was dismayed this morning to hear your "correction" of your interpretation
of the Academy of Pediatrics' new recommendations for breastfeeding.  You
stated, again in error, that breastfeeding should be done exclusively for 6
months and then a mix of breastfeeding and formula should be given until 1
year of age.  The actual guideline (copied from their web site) is as follows
(underlines/color are MY emphasis!):

"Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal
growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth.
Infants weaned before 12 months of age should not receive cow's milk feedings
but should receive iron-fortified infant formula. Gradual introduction of
iron-enriched solid foods in the second half of the first year should
complement the breast milk diet.  It is recommended that breastfeeding
continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually
desired."

Note that formula is only recommended if the baby must be totally WEANED from
the breast, and only mentioned as a way to avoid cow's milk feedings, which
are totally unacceptable before one year of age.

Please correct your "correction"!  If you do not have a full copy of the AAP
guidelines, it can be found at:

 <A HREF="http://www.aap.org/policy/re9729.html">Breastfeeding and the Use of
Human Milk (RE9729)</A>

Respectfully,

Carol Schlef, RNC, MSW, IBCLC
Womens Health Educator
St. Louis, Missouri