Role of Pediatricians in Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding: A Position Paper of the International Pediatric Association Strategic Advisory Group on Infant, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
02506807
eISSN
14219697
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85182602602
Pubmed ID
37673040
Journal Title
Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
Volume
79
Issue
6
Start Page
469
End Page
475
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism Vol.79 No.6 (2024) , 469-475
Suggested Citation
Fewtrell M., Bandsma R.H.J., Baur L., Duggan C.P., Dumrongwongsiri O., Hojsak I., Khatami K., Koletzko B., Kovalskys I., Li Z., Mouane N., Nel E., Sachdev H.S., Spolidoro J.V. Role of Pediatricians in Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding: A Position Paper of the International Pediatric Association Strategic Advisory Group on Infant, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism Vol.79 No.6 (2024) , 469-475. 475. doi:10.1159/000534004 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/95880
Title
Role of Pediatricians in Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding: A Position Paper of the International Pediatric Association Strategic Advisory Group on Infant, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition
Author's Affiliation
Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science & Research
Hospital Moinhos de Vento
Universidad Nacional de La Plata
Boston Children's Hospital
Hospital for Sick Children University of Toronto
The University of Sydney
Mohammed V University in Rabat
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
University of Zagreb School of Medicine
Stellenbosch University
Klinikum der Universität München
Argentine Catholic University
Hospital Moinhos de Vento
Universidad Nacional de La Plata
Boston Children's Hospital
Hospital for Sick Children University of Toronto
The University of Sydney
Mohammed V University in Rabat
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
University of Zagreb School of Medicine
Stellenbosch University
Klinikum der Universität München
Argentine Catholic University
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Promoting and supporting breastfeeding is an important public health intervention with multiple benefits for both infants and mothers. Even modest increases in the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding could significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve maternal and child health outcomes. However, widespread adoption of breastfeeding recommendations remains poor in most settings, which contributes to widening health and social inequalities. Pediatricians have a duty to advocate for improving child health, including promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Summary: This paper, from the International Pediatric Association Special Advisory Group on Nutrition, considers common barriers to breastfeeding and addresses how pediatricians can better promote and support breastfeeding, both at an individual level and by influencing practice and policy. All pediatricians need to understand the basics of breastfeeding, including lactation physiology, recognize common breastfeeding problems, and advise mothers or refer them for appropriate support; training curricula for general pediatricians and all pediatric subspecialties should reflect this. Even in the situation where their day-to-day work does not involve direct contact with mothers and infants, pediatricians can have an important influence on policy and practice. They should support colleagues who work directly with mothers and infants, ensuring that systems and environments are conducive to breastfeeding and, where appropriate, milk expression. Pediatricians and pediatric organizations should also promote policies aimed at promoting and supporting breastfeeding at local, regional, national, and international levels. Key Messages: Pediatricians have a duty to promote and support breastfeeding, regardless of their day-to-day role and responsibilities. Pediatric training curricula should ensure that all trainees acquire a good understanding of breastfeeding so they are able to effectively support mothers in their personal practice but also influence breastfeeding practice and policy at a local, regional, national, and international level.