The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its breastfeeding recommendations, last updated in 1997. Revised recommendations include: exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, support for breastfeeding after the first year if desired by the mother, and continuing breast self-exams while lactating. Newborns should be evaluated by a pediatrician at 3-5 days of age and again at 2-3 weeks of age.
Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the incidence or severity of respiratory tract infections, meningitis, diarrhea, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. It also likely decreases asthma, eczema, diabetes and obesity and may prevent some cancers. Breast fed infants score higher on cognitive tests and have a 21% reduced infant mortality rate in the United States.