Breast Feeding Expert Panel

The Expert Panel on Breastfeeding serves as the key catalyst for innovations in research, education and policy regarding the use of human milk and breastfeeding. The panel serves as a consultant to numerous governmental agencies and has provided testimony to shape the future of breastfeeding in America.

Inaugural Year: 2002

Current Chair:

Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RNC, FAAN
Helen M. Shearer Term Associate Professor of Nutrition & Associate Professor of Healthcare of Women and Childbearing Nursing
University of Pennsylvania
Claire Hall, Office 413
418 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia PA 19104
215-898-8100
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Staff Liaison: Cheryl Sullivan    

Board Liaison: Colleen Goode

Previous Chairs: Previous Chairs: Paula Meier (2007), Linda Pugh (2007) Pamela Dee Hill (2006), Sharron S. Humenick (2006), Maureen Groer (2005), Gene Cranston Anderson (2003-2005)

Meeting Schedule: Annual in person meeting and monthly email meetings

Publications:

2010    Spatz, D. L. (2010). Roles and Responsibilities of Health Professions:  Focus on Nursing. Breastfeeding Medicine

2010    Spatz, D.L. (2010). Why Nurses Role in Lactation Support Matters.  Editorial  The Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing

2010    Spatz, DL. (2010). Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 2nd Annual Summit on Breastfeeding Role of Health Professions Presentation. Retrieved from http://www.aannet.org/files/public/Testimony_for_ABM.pdf.

2009    Spatz, DL. (2009). Call to Action on Breastfeeding: Testimony Submitted by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. Retrieved from http://www.aannet.org/files/public/Final_BF_Panel.pdf.

2007    Spatz, D.L. & Pugh, L.C. (2007). American Academy of Nursing Expert Panel on Breastfeeding: The integration of the use of human milk and breastfeeding in nursing curricula. Nursing Outlook, 55(5), 257-263.

Charge to Panel:
To influence policy and shape the future of breastfeeding in the United States.  We have a key role serving on the United States Breastfeeding Committee representing the AAN.

Summary:
The lack of breastfeeding in the United States is a public health crisis.  Today only 13% of US children receive exclusive human milk for the first 6 months despite the recommendation by organizations worldwide that all infants receive exclusive human milk for 6 months. The AAN expert panel on breastfeeding serves as the key catalyst for innovations in research, education and policy regarding the use of human milk and breastfeeding.  Our panel serves as a consultant to numerous governmental agencies and we have provided testimony to shape that future of breastfeeding in America.

Call to Action on Breastfeeding - Testimony Submitted by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses

Testimony to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

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