Hello Lori and all you other Netters, I like being back on lactnet. I actually get to stay in town until Jan. Lori, you posted this on lactnet. >Earlier this year, Pat Bull and June Hartman produced an excellent summary >>of the AAP policy statement of December of 1997.< Thank you for the comment. We actually did it because more Drs., medical professionals, insurance companies, hospital management, employers, etc. would and could take time to read a one pager verses pages that were in the Pediatrics journal. I had fun working with AAP when we were putting it together. Their corporate building here in the Chicago area is beautiful !!!!! I can type in the info for those of you that have not seen it. "SUMMARY OF POLICY STATEMENT ON BREASTFEEDING FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS" Adapted from The American Academy of Pediatrics Work Group on Breastfeeding. "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk" (Pediatrics, Vo. 100, No. 6, Decemaber 1997, pp. 1035-1039) * Human milkis uniquely superior for infant feeding and is species-specific; all substitute feeding options differ markedly from it. Extensive research, especially in recent years, documents diverse and compelling advatages to infants, mothers, families, and society from breastfeeding and the use of human milk for infant feeding. These include health, nutritional, immunological, developmental, psychological, social, economic and environmental benefits. * Human milk is the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with rare exceptions. * Breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible after birth, usually within the first hour. * Newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing or rooting. Crying is a late indicator of hunger. Newborns should be nursed approximately 8 to 12 time every 24 hours until satiety, usually 10 to 15 minutes on each breast.. * Supplements and pacifiers should be avoided whenever possible. If used at all, only after breastfeeding is well established. * Babies ideally should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 month. Other foods are generally unnecessary for the breastfed infant. * In cases of hospitalization of the breastfeeding mother or infant, every effort should be made to maintain breastfeeding, preferably directly, or by pumping the breasts and feeding expressed breast milk, if neccessary. Second collumn has "Pediatricians were further direct to: * Promote and support breastfeeding enthusiastically. * Become knowledgeable and skilled in the physiology and clinical mangement of breastfeeding. * Work with obstetricians to ensure women receive information to make informed feeding choices. * Promote hospital policies and procedures that facilitate breastfeeding. Having electric breast pumps and pumping areas available in hospitals. * Become familiar with local breastfeeding resources (WIC, lactation consultants, lay support groups, breast pump rental stations) for proper referrals. * Encourage routine insurance coverage for breastfeeding services and supplies, including breast pump rental and consultation time for breastfeeding management. * Pormote breastfeeding as a normal part of daily life. *Work with health care providers in education, supporting and counseling the breastfeeding dyad. * Promote breastfeding education in medical schools and residency education. * Encourage the media to portray breastfeeding as positive and the norm. * Encourage employers to provide facilities and time in the workplace for breast pumping. You can order it from Medela at (800) 435-8316. Order # is 1547354 0698. Any questions, contact me. Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela, Inc. Naperville, IL - sunny and 50's today. Just wish it would stay.