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Subject:
From:
Cindy Turner-Maffei <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 25 Mar 1997 21:19:12 -0500
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Frances wrote:
>the more I see on Lactnet, the more I am wondering whether the medical
>establishment is right in urging weaning to Cows Milk at one year for ABM
>babies..  (AAP still think it is OK at 6 mo)

Here is the AAP's stance on whole milk during the first year, from the
"Where We Stand" section of their web page at
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/wwestand.htm

"Formula
      To achieve optimal nutrition, the Academy recommends that infants be
fed breastmilk during the first 6 to 12 months of age. The only acceptable
alternative to breastmilk is iron-fortified infant formula. *The Academy
recommends that whole cow's milk and low-iron formulas not be used during
the first year of life.* Since the Academy believes that direct advertising
of infant formula to mothers will inevitably decrease the incidence of
breastfeeding, and thereby impair the health of infants in the U.S., the
Academy has for many years recommended that infant formula companies
refrain from advertising their products to the general public. (See Diet.)"

I certainly agree that it would be lovely to see the recommendation
expanded to embrace breastfeeding beyond "the first 6 to 12 months."  (I do
hope this is part of that infamous new-and-improved AAP BF statement that
is coming soon, we hope.)

Was someone suggesting extending the recommendation of formula as a
breastmilk alternate of choice beyond the first year?  If so, I share
Frances' concerns about this: at well over $1,000 for formula annually,
that would be a severe strain on most families budgets.  What would be the
benefit this recommendation?



Cindy Turner-Maffei
Massachusetts, USA

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