The American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines are excellent, and demonstrate a true commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Among other things, the new guidelines recommend:

• Breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first hour of life
• Rooming-in for moms and babies after birth
• Breastfeeding on cue – looking to the baby for signs that he needs to nurse
• Only giving supplements (water or formula) if medically necessary
• Encouraging moms to express or pump their milk if they can't nurse directly
• Breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months or so, and that breastfeeding should continue for at least 12 months, and then as long afterwards as Mom and Baby wish
• A trained observer should evaluate breastfeeding during the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery, with a follow-up visit 48 to 72 hours later.

You can read the entire policy, complete with references, on the AAP Web site.

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