This is the current release of the guideline.

1. Formal documented assessment of breastfeeding effectiveness should be performed at least once during the last 8 hours preceding discharge of the mother and baby, by a medical professional trained in formal assessment of breastfeeding. Similar assessments should have been performed during the hospitalization, preferably at least once every 8 to 12 hours. These should include evaluation of positioning, latch, milk transfer, baby's weight and percent weight loss, clinical jaundice, and stool and urine output. All problems raised by the mother, such as nipple pain, ability to hand express, perception of inadequate supply, and any perceived need to supplement must also be addressed (Friedman & Spitzer, 2004; Langan, 2006; American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2006; Johansson, 2004; Dewey et al., 2003; Sacco et al., 2006; Chapman & Perez-Escamilla, 1999; Ryan et al., 1990; Gartner et al., 2005; Kuan et al., 1999).
2. Prior to discharge, anticipation of breastfeeding problems should be assessed based on the maternal and/or infant risk factors (see Tables 1 and 2 in the original guideline document): All problems with breastfeeding, whether observed by hospital staff or raised by the mother should be attended to and documented in the medical record prior to discharge of mother and baby. A plan of action that includes follow-up of the problem after discharge must be in place (Friedman & Spitzer, 2004; Langan, 2006; AAP & ACOG, 2006; Johansson, 2004; Dewey et al., 2003; Sacco et al., 2006; Chapman & Perez-Escamilla, 1999; Ryan et al., 1990; AAP Section on Breastfeeding, 2005; Kuan et al., 1999; Yanicki et al., 2002; Ahluwalia, Morrow, & Hsia, 2005; Weiss, 2004; Britton et al., 2002; Madden et al., 2003; Taveras et al., 2003; Cernadas et al., 2003).
3. Physicians, midwives, nurses, and all other staff should encourage the mother to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of the infant's life and to continue breastfeeding through at least the first year of life, preferably to 2 years of life and beyond. The addition of appropriate complementary food should occur after 6 months of life (AAP & ACOG, 2006; AAP Section on Breastfeeding, 2005). Mothers will benefit from education about the rationale for exclusive breastfeeding. The medical, psychosocial, and societal benefits for both mother and baby and why artificial milk supplementation is discouraged should be emphasized. Such education is a standard component of anticipatory guidance that addresses individual beliefs and practices in a culturally sensitive manner (AAP & ACOG, 2006; AAP Section on Breastfeeding, 2005; Kuan et al., 1999; Taveras et al., 2003; Cernadas et al., 2003; Labbok et al., 2006; Kramer & Kakuma, 2002; Nelson, 2006; Taveras et al., "Opinions," 2004; Taveras et al., "Association," 2004; Scott et al., 2006; Kramer & Kakuma, 2004; James & Dobson, 2005; Moreland & Coombs, 2000; Donath & Amir, 2003; Li et al., 2004; Hannan et al., 2005; Walker, 1997; Philipp & Merewood, 2004; Brady, 1990). Special counseling is needed for those mothers planning to return to outside employment or school (AAP & ACOG, 2006; AAP Section on Breastfeeding, 2005). (See #7, below).
4. Families will benefit from appropriate, noncommercial educational materials on breastfeeding (as well as on other aspects of child health care) (Howard et al., 2000; Frank et al., 1987; Speer, 1996; Howard et al., 1994; Howard & Howard, 1997; Neifert et al., 1988; Valaitis & Shea, 1993). Discharge packs containing infant formula, pacifiers, commercial advertising materials, and any materials not appropriate for a breastfeeding mother and baby should not be distributed. These may encourage poor breastfeeding practices, which may lead to premature weaning (AAP & ACOG, 2006; AAP Section on Breastfeeding, 2005; Howard et al., 2000; Frank et al., 1987; Speer, 1996; Howard et al., 1994; Howard & Howard, 1997; Neifert et al., 1988; Valaitis & Shea, 1993; Donnelly et al., 2000; Wright, Rice, & Wells, 1996; Perez-Escamilla et al., 1994; Snell et al., 1992; Frank, 1989; Cronenwett et al., 1992; Auerbach, 1987; Bliss et al., 1997; Victora et al., 1997; Howard et al., 2003; Howard et al., 1999; Aarts et al., 1999; Vogel, Hutchison, & Mitchell, 2001; Barros et al., 1995; Nelson, Yu, & Williams, 2005; Gorbe et al., 2002; Barros et al., 1997; Kramer et al., 2001; Righard, 1998; Benis, 2002; Righard & Alade, 1997; Adair, 2003; Binns & Scott, 2002; Ullah & Griffiths, 2003).
5. Breastfeeding mothers and appropriate others will benefit from simplified anticipatory guidance prior to discharge regarding key issues in the immediate future. Care must be given not to overload mothers. Specific information should be provided in written form to all parents regarding:
   1. Management of engorgement
   2. Indicators of adequate intake (yellow bowel movements by day 5, at least six urinations per day and three to four stools per day by the fourth day of life, and regain birth weight by days 10 to 14)
   3. Signs of excessive jaundice
   4. Sleep patterns of newborns, including safe cosleeping practices; (see Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine [ABM] Protocol #6: Guideline on Cosleeping and Breastfeeding)
   5. Maternal medication use
   6. Individual feeding patterns, including normality of evening cluster feedings
   7. Follow-up and contact information (AAP & ACOG, 2006; AAP Section on Breastfeeding, 2005; Neifert, 1999; AAP Subcommittee on Hyperbilirubinemia, 2004; Neifert, 2001; Gartner & Herschel, 2001).
6. Every breastfeeding mother should receive instruction on the technique of expressing milk by hand (whether she uses a pump or not), so she is able to alleviate engorgement, increase her milk supply, or prepare to use a pump. In addition, she may need to be taught to use a breast pump so that she can maintain her supply and obtain milk for feeding to the infant should she and the infant be separated or if the infant is unable to feed directly from the breast (AAP & ACOG, 2006; AAP Section on Breastfeeding, 2005; World Health Organization [WHO], United Nations Children's Fund [UNICEF], 1990; Schanler, 2005; Nyqvist, Sjoden, & Ewald, 1994; Auerbach & Walker, 1994; Forte, Mayberry, & Ferketich, 1986; Chamberlain et al., 2006).
7. If a mother is planning on returning to outside employment or school soon after delivery, she would benefit from additional written information. This should include social support, possible milk supply issues, expressing and storing milk away from home, the possibility of direct nursing breaks with the baby, and her local and/or state laws regarding accommodations for breastfeeding and milk expression in the workplace (AAP & ACOG, 2006; AAP Section on Breastfeeding, 2005; Chamberlain et al., 2006; Killien, 2005; Neilsen, 2004; Eldridge & Croker, 2005; Rea & Morrow, 2004; Click, 2006; Ryan, Zhou, & Arensberg, 2006; Kimbro, 2006; Dodgson, Chee, & Yap, 2004; Brown, Poag, & Kasprzycki, 2001; Bromberg Bar Yam, "Workplace lactation support, part II," 1998; Slusser et al., 2004; Stevens & Janke, 2003; Bocar, 1997; Greiner, 1993; Bridges, Frank, & Curtin, 1997; Bromberg Bar Yam, "Workplace lactation support, part I," 1998; O'Gara, Canahuati, & Moore Martin, 1994; Biagoli, 2003; Cohen, Mrtek, & Mrtek, 1995; Corbett-Dick & Bezek, 1997; Gielen et al., 1991; Greenberg & Smith, 1991; Meek, 2001; Pantazi, Jaeger, & Lawsin, 1998). It is prudent to provide her with this information in written form, so that she has resources when the time comes for her to prepare for return to work or school.
8. Every breastfeeding mother should be provided with names and phone numbers of individuals and medical services that can provide advice, counseling, and health assessments related to breastfeeding on a 24 hour-a-day basis if available, as well as on a less intensive basis (AAP & ACOG, 2006; Gartner et al., 2005; Kuan et al., 1999; Philipp, 2001; Philipp & Caldwell, 1999; Philipp, Merewood, & O'Brien, 2001; Chen, 1993; Houston et al., 1981; Long et al., 1995; Bonuck et al., 2005; Labarere et al., 2005; Nankunda et al., 2006; Chapman et al., "Effectiveness," 2004; Fetrick, Christensen, & Mitchell, 2003; Martens, 2002; Merewood & Philipp, 2003; Heinig et al., 2006; Anderson et al., 2005; Gross et al., 1998; Stremler & Lovera, 2004; Kistin, Abramson, & Dublin, 1994; Cohen, Lange, & Slusser, 2002; Graffy & Taylor, 2005; Chapman, Damio, & Perez-Escamilla, 2004; Bronner, Barber, & Miele, 2001; Bronner et al., 2001; Bronner, Barber, & Davis, 2001; McInnes, Love, & Stone, 2000; Ahluwalia et al., 2000; Shaw & Kazorowski, 1999; Morrow et al., 1999; Arlotti et al., 1998; Schafer et al., 1998; Grummer-Strawn et al., 1997; Milligan et al., 2000; Caulfield et al., 1998; Chapman et al., "Association," 2004; Perez-Escamilla & Guerro, 2004; Agrasada et al., 2005).
9. Mothers should be provided with lists of various local peer support groups and services (e.g., La Leche League, hospital/clinic based support groups, governmental supported groups, e.g., WIC [Women, Infants, and Children] in the U.S.) with phone numbers, contact names, and addresses. They should be encouraged to contact and consider joining one of them (AAP & ACOG, 2006; Gartner et al., 2005; Kuan et al., 1999; Philipp, 2001; Philipp & Caldwell, 1999; Philipp, Merewood, & O'Brien, 2001; Chen, 1993; Houston et al., 1981; Long et al., 1995; Bonuck et al., 2005; Labarere et al., 2005; Nankunda et al., 2006; Chapman et al., "Effectiveness," 2004; Fetrick, Christensen, & Mitchell, 2003; Martens, 2002; Merewood & Philipp, 2003; Heinig et al., 2006; Anderson et al., 2005; Gross et al., 1998; Stremler & Lovera, 2004; Kistin, Abramson, & Dublin, 1994; Cohen, Lange, & Slusser, 2002; Graffy & Taylor, 2005; Chapman, Damio, & Perez-Escamilla, 2004; Bronner, Barber, & Miele, 2001; Bronner et al., 2001; Bronner, Barber, & Davis, 2001; McInnes, Love, & Stone, 2000; Ahluwalia et al., 2000; Shaw & Kazorowski, 1999; Morrow et al., 1999; Arlotti et al., 1998; Schafer et al., 1998; Grummer-Strawn et al., 1997; Milligan et al., 2000; Caulfield et al., 1998; Chapman et al., "Association," 2004; Perez-Escamilla & Guerro, 2004; Agrasada et al., 2005).
10. In countries where discharge is common before or by 3 days of age, prior to discharge, appointments should be made for (a) an office or home visit, within 3 to 5 days of age, by a physician, midwife, or a physician-supervised breastfeeding trained licensed health care provider and (b) the mother's 6-week follow-up visit to the obstetrician or family physician who participated in the delivery of the baby. Infants discharged before 48 hours of age should be seen by 96 hours of age (AAP & ACOG, 2006; Gartner et al., 2005; "Management," 2004). Additional visits for the mother and the infant are recommended even if discharge occurs at greater than 5 days of age, until all clinical issues such as adequate stool and urine output, jaundice, and the baby attaining birth weight by 10 days of age are resolved. (Note: a baby who is not back to birth weight at day of life 10, but who has demonstrated a steady, appropriate weight gain for a number of days, is likely fine. This baby may not need intervention, but continued close follow-up.) Any baby exhibiting a weight loss approaching 7% of his birth weight by 5 to 6 days of life needs to be closely monitored until weight gain is well established. Should 7% or more weight loss be noted after 5 to 6 days of life, even more concern and careful follow-up must be pursued. These babies require careful assessment, as by 4 to 6 days the infant should be gaining weight daily, so their "% weight loss" is actually more when that is taken into account. In addition to attention to these issues, babies with any of these concerns must be specifically evaluated for problems with breastfeeding and milk transfer (AAP & ACOG, 2006; Gartner et al., 2005; Neifert, 2001; Chen, 1993; Houston et al., 1981; Bonuck et al., 2005; Labarere et al., 2005; Fetrick, Christensen, & Mitchell, 2003; Martens, 2002; Graffy & Taylor, 2005; Morrow et al., 1999; Caulfield et al. 1998; Casiday et al., 2004; Svedulf et al., 1998; Madden et al., 2004; Madlon-Kay, DeFor, & Egerter, 2003; Galbraith et al., 2003; Winterburn & Fraser, 2000; Margolis & Schwartz, 2000).
11. If the mother is medically ready for discharge but the infant is not, every effort should be made to allow the mother to remain in the hospital either as a continuing patient or as a "mother-in-residence" with access to the infant for exclusive breastfeeding promotion. Maintenance of a 24-hour rooming-in relationship with the infant is optimal during the infant's extended stay (Rapley, 2002; Waldenstrom & Swenson, 1991; Yamauchi & Yamanouchi, 1990; Keefe, 1988; Keefe, 1987; Procianoy et al., 1983; Lindenberg, Cabrera Atroloa, & Jimenez, 1990).
12. If the mother is discharged from the hospital before the infant is discharged (as in the case of a sick infant), the mother should be encouraged to spend as much time as possible with the infant, practice skin-to-skin technique and Kangaroo care with her infant whenever possible, and to continue regular breastfeeding (Hurst et al., 1997; Browne, 2004; Carfoot, Williamson, & Dickson, 2003; Anderson et al., 2003; Bier et al., 1996; Wallace & Marshall, 2001; Kirsten, Bergman, & Hann, 2001). During periods when the mother is not in the hospital, she should be encouraged to express and store her milk, bringing it to the hospital for the infant.

None provided

The type of evidence supporting the recommendations is not specifically stated.

The recommendations were based primarily on a comprehensive review of the existing literature. In cases where the literature does not appear conclusive, recommendations were based on the consensus opinion of the group of experts.

Not applicable: The guideline was not adapted from another source.

2007 Sep

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - Professional Association

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

A grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, US Department of Health and Human Services

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol Committee

Contributor: Amy Evans, MD (Lead Author)

Protocol Committee: Caroline J. Chantry, M.D., FABM, Co-Chairperson; Cynthia R. Howard M.D., MPH, FABM, Co-Chairperson; Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D., FABM; Kathleen A. Marinelli, M.D., FABM, Co-Chairperson; Nancy G. Powers, MD, FABM

None to report

This is the current release of the guideline.

None available

This NGC summary was completed by ECRI Institute on October 29, 2007. The information was verified by the guideline developer on October 31, 2008.