In the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s new position statement, we recognize the critical role of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to ensure optimal infant health. Paula K. Schreck, MD IBCLC FABM, contacted the lead author on the position statement, Lori Feldman-Winter, MD MPH FABM, to get more insight into the topic.

Question:

Dr. Feldman-Winter, I attended a presentation by you many years ago at an ABM annual meeting entitled “Why Not Just One Bottle?” which I still remember vividly. It had a great impact on me. How has the messaging on exclusivity evolved since you first started teaching the importance of exclusivity?    

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s (ABM) 29th Annual International Meeting is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be an incredible event for healthcare professionals passionate about breastfeeding medicine. Here are three compelling reasons why this year’s meeting is a can’t-miss opportunity.

The COVID Mothers Study: How ABM’s Worldwide Network of Physicians Collaborated on Urgent Research

Infant formula companies are notorious for mailing unrequested product samples to pregnant women after obtaining personal medical information via predatory marking practices. Many pregnant women on formula companies’ target lists suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth but subsequently receive formula samples in the mail.  

Dear ABM Community,

In “Breast or Bottle – The Illusion of Choice,” Dr. Amy J. Kennedy chronicles the difficulties she faced when breastfeeding her baby: