Breastfeeding (BF) Systematic Review (2008)
Welcome to the Breastfeeding project. This project was published in 2010 and used to develop an Academy Position Paper. Highlights of this project include:
- Target population of adults
- Two (2) sub-topics of Artificial Nipple & Duration of Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding & Dietary Factors were explored. Use the links on the left to view the evidence analysis questions and conclusions.
- A postion paper was developed. Expand the Project Resources section below to access the paper.
- Project Resources
This project resulted in an Academy Position Paper titled Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding.
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that exclusive breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the first 6 months of life and breastfeeding with complementary foods from 6 months until at least 12 months of age is the ideal feeding pattern for infants. Breastfeeding is an important public health strategy for improving infant and child morbidity and mortality, improving maternal morbidity, and helping to control health care costs. Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of otitis media, gastroenteritis, respiratory illness, sudden infant death syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, obesity, and hypertension. Breastfeeding is also associated with improved maternal outcomes, including a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression. These reductions in acute and chronic illness help to decrease health carerelated expenses and productive time lost from work. Overall breastfeeding rates are increasing, yet disparities persist based on socioeconomic status, maternal age, country of origin, and geographic location. Factors such as hospital practices, knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of mothers and their families, and access to breastfeeding support can influence initiation, duration, and exclusivity of breastfeeding. As experts in food and nutrition throughout the life cycle, it is the responsibility of registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered, to promote and support breastfeeding for its short-term and long-term health benefits for both mothers and infants
- Position of the American Dietetic Association: Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109:1926-1942 (PDF)
- Project Team
The following individuals contributed their valuable time and expertise to this project.
- Carina Venter, PhD, SRD, RD, Chair
- Amy Brandes, LD, CNSD, CLC
- Kristina Elsaesser, MS, LD, CSP
- Lisa Hamlett,, MS, RD, CNSD, LDN
- Pamela Legowsk, MS, RD, CNSD, LDN
- Maria Nnyepi, PhD, RD
- Jennifer Weddig, MS, RD
- Mei Chung, MPH
- Diane DellaValle, MS, RD
- Mable Everette, PhD, RD, FADA
- Mary Katherine "Kathy" Hoy, EdD, RD
- Christiane L. Meireles, PhD, RD, LD
- Winifred Yu, MS, RD
- Carol Berg Sloan, RD
- Alana Cline, RD
- Deborah Cummins, PhD
- Kari Kren, MPH, RD
- Anna Murphy, MPH, RD, LDN
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Academy Association Position Committee
- None of the workgroup members listed above disclosed potential conflicts of interest.