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Subject:
From:
Kathy Dettwyler <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 10 Feb 1997 13:43:42 -0600
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As part of my research for the book I'm currently writing, I've been
corresponding with Dr. Gartner of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as
well as pouring over all the AAP statements to date on duration of
breastfeeding.  He provided me with the following quote to use in the book:

"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
has always been a strong supporter of breastfeeding and has recommended
breastfeeding exclusively for 4 to 6 months and continuing breastfeeding
for the entire first year of life.  The AAP has never addressed the
question of breastfeeding into the second year of life and beyond in any of
its policy statements, thus far.  Nothing in any of the AAP policy
statements suggests either negative or a positive recommendations on
extended breastfeeding."  Lawrence M. Gartner, M.D.

This confirms what I had discovered from poring over all the policy
statements that mention breastfeeding.  No where has the AAP ever said that
breastfeeding should stop at one year of age.


Ironically, in 1984, the AAP released a policy statement on the use of
imitation and substitute milks, out of concern that parents might use these
milks for infants.  The statement says: "Neither substitute nor imitation
milks meet the nutritional requirements for infant formula as proposed by
this committee and incorporated into the Infant Formula Act of 1980.  They
should not be used as a major source of nutrition for infants.  Popularity,
extravagant claims, and special marketing practices cannot make while
liquids nutritionally equivalent to infant formula."  (Pediatrics
73(6):876).  Of course, popularity, extravagant claims, and special
marketing practices cannot make infant formula equivalent to breast milk,
but that seems to have been lost on the AAP, at least in 1984.


Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.
Texas A&M University

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