1511cf66_all_To_Action_on_Breastfeeding__Topic
[ID] 517 [Interest Areas] Breastfeeding Coalition Representative Health Care Provider Health Professional Organization Lactation Professional [Comment] As a pediatric dietitian for over 30 years, I encourage all mothers to provide their babies with optimal nutrition...breastmilk. Breastfeeding according to the AAP's recommendations is the gold standard, but when a baby is sick or hospitalized, this is not always possible. I have assisted many breastfeeding mothers when their infants/children were admitted to the hospital and worked with them so even if the baby couldn't actually nurse at the breast, the baby was assured of receiving mother's milk as the source of nutrition. Many mothers find it difficult to maintain their milk supply and are unable to provide enough milk for 100% of their child's feedings. Other mothers, for whatever reason, do not provide ANY breastmilk for their babies. I have seen a marked difference in the overall progress of babies who do receive human milk for their feedings in the hospital. Donor human milk is an option that is recommended by professional organizations when baby's own mother's milk is not available, but it is rarely ever used in clinical settings. More needs to be done to educate healthcare professionals in the use of donor milk, especially neonatologists, pediatricians, and pediatric dietitians. Academic curriculums should incorporate information on HMBANA and how donor milk can and should be used. Currently, there is a huge gap in knowledge in this area for these professionals. The establishment of more regulated milk banks should be encouraged in this country to make donor human milk accessible and easily utilized. [Topic] 
Use of Banked Human Milk
Call To Action on Breastfeeding
Topic