The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, an international physician organization committed “to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding,” has released their updated clinical protocol for the discharge of breastfeeding mother-baby pairs. An update to the original 2007 release, “Protocol #2: The Going Home Protocol,” outline the Academy’s recommendations for full term infants leaving the hospital. While these are only guidelines and do not set standards of medical care, this can be important information to share with clients to empower them to seek out these supportive practices for successful breastfeeding. The set of 13 recommendations includes:
- Formal evaluation of breastfeeding by a health professional trained in this area.
- Assess and attend to breastfeeding problems prior to discharge.
- Medical staff should encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
- Families should receive written information on potential issues which could arise in the near future.
- Resources for medical care, peer-to-peer support, and other assistance services should be provided.
- Every effort should be made to allow mothers to stay in the hospital in cases where she is ready for discharge, but the baby is not.
Read the full protocol at (updated link): http://www.bfmed.org/Media/Files/Protocols/protocol_2GoingHome_revised2014.pdf
— Adrianne Gordon, CD(DONA)
Sources:
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: bfmed.org
EvansAmy, MarinelliKathleen A., and TaylorJulie Scott. Breastfeeding Medicine. January/February 2014, 9(1): 3-8. doi:10.1089/bfm.2014.9996.