I feel your frustration out there. I'm a pediatrician, LC, and medical
associate for LLLI. The American Academy of Pediatrics is finally making some
real effort in supporting breastfeeding. A work group on breastfeeding has
been established.  The chairman of the Task Force is Dr. Larry Gartner. The
following info has been provided to me through the Medical Associates
Newsletter thanks to Dr. Bud Tanis, Director, Med Assoc. Program. The BF Task
Force will concentrate on the following:
1. Review of the 10 Steps and Criteria
2. Review of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau's "Role Delineation in
Breastfeeding Care."
3. Review of the 1982 AAP policy statement "The Promotion of Breastfeeding."
A more comprehensive, up-to-date statement with scientific documentation is
needed.
4. Development of a new AAP policy statement on the policies and principles
of breastfeeding and human milk nutrition.
5. Development of an AAP Subject review on the Scientific Documentation of
the Value of Breastfeeding and Human Milk.
6. Development of an intent for a practice parameter on the management of the
bf infant (YEAH!)
7. Review of the Healthy Kids magazine article entitled "Your First Feeding
Decision."
8. Submission of proposals on bf-related topics for AAP National Meetings.
9. Submission of a request for bf-related topics to be included in the 1997
AAP Continuing Medical Education Calender.
10. Review, and revision when appropriate, of all AAP publications related to
BF. Academy policy statements which impact bf are also under review.
11. Monitoring of the U.S. BFHI to dtermine an appropriate role for future
AAP participation.

This is all very exciting and encouraging. Unfortunately, those uninformed
docs that frustrate us all will probably only listen to those they view as
their peers, i.e. physicians. Don't be discouraged, progress IS being made. I
applaude all of you on the front lines trying to make a difference!

Karen J. Stepan, DO, IBCLC
Mountain View Pediatrics
77. W. Forest Ave., Suite 205
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

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