USPSTF Recommends Primary Care Interventions to Promote Breast-Feeding

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) periodically releases new and updated guidelines. It grades each of its recommendations according to a system described on the USPSTF website.

In 2003, the USPSTF recommended structured educational classes and behavioral-counseling programs to promote breast-feeding but found insufficient evidence to recommend other interventions (e.g., written materials or peer counseling alone, brief counseling or education by primary care providers). Now, the USPSTF broadens its recommendations for interventions during pregnancy and after birth to promote and support breast-feeding. Recommendation: B (The USPSTF recommends the service.)

The new recommendation is based on systematic review of 38 randomized st…