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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is raising its recommendation for breastfeeding duration from one year to two. This change aligns their guidance with that of the World Health Organization but may add to the stress for nursing parents in the U.S., where support is already severely lacking.
The AAP outlines the health advantages of breastfeeding, including reduced rates of respiratory infections, ear infections, severe diarrhea, and obesity in children, as well as lower risks of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and high blood pressure for nursing parents. Their recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months remains unchanged. However, the lack of support for breastfeeding parents continues to be a significant issue. The U.S. is the only high-income country without mandated paid parental leave, and maternity leave policies widely differ across companies. While the Family Medical Leave Act offers 12 weeks of unpaid leave, only half of workers qualify for it, making it challenging for families to manage financially.
Breastfeeding a three-month-old baby can feel like a full-time job, often making it difficult to juggle another job that pays. Many parents struggle to find time and space to pump, and pumping itself can be a cumbersome process that is often less efficient than direct breastfeeding. Additionally, the costs associated with breast pumps can be burdensome. Although nighttime breastfeeding can help maintain supply, working parents need rest to function effectively during the day. It’s unsurprising that while a large majority of birthing individuals (83.9%) start breastfeeding, only 25.8% manage to do so exclusively for six months. The desire to breastfeed is evident; the support is not.
In its policy statement, the AAP acknowledges the need for assistance and advocates for paid family leave, insurance coverage for breast pumps, designated break times and spaces for pumping at work, and support for nursing in public, including schools and daycares. They also address racial disparities in breastfeeding rates, noting that Black infants are less likely to be breastfed compared to their white, Asian, and Hispanic counterparts. The statement promotes the term “chestfeeding” to be more inclusive for diverse families and mentions that surrogates and adoptive parents can also induce lactation.
“Families deserve nonjudgmental support, information, and help to guide them in feeding their infant,” said the report’s lead author, Dr. Lisa Morgan. Nevertheless, the new guidelines may feel overwhelming rather than supportive. It’s as if the message is: “I see you’re having a tough time. Why not extend this challenge for twice as long?”
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- Benefits of breastfeeding for two years
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- Paid family leave policies
- Inclusive language for breastfeeding
In summary, while the AAP’s new breastfeeding recommendation aims to promote better health outcomes for both infants and nursing parents, it also highlights the significant lack of support for families in the U.S. The call for paid leave, workplace accommodations, and inclusive practices reflects an understanding of the real challenges faced by parents.