ABM Clinical Protocol #37: Physiological Infant Care-Managing Nighttime Breastfeeding in Young Infants

Area of Science:

• Breastfeeding Medicine
• Clinical Protocols
• Gender-Inclusive Language

Background:

• The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) aims to create clinical protocols for breastfeeding challenges.
• Protocols are guidelines, not exclusive treatment standards, allowing for patient-specific care.
• ABM prioritizes safe, inclusive, patient-centered, and evidence-based healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's commitment to developing clinical protocols.
• To explain the rationale behind the use and potential inconsistencies of gender-inclusive language in ABM protocols.
• To advocate for inclusive and accurate language in breastfeeding care, respecting diverse gender identities.

Main Methods:

• Development of clinical protocols by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.
• Review and adaptation of language to be inclusive of diverse gender identities.
• Reference to ABM Position Statements on Infant Feeding and Lactation-Related Language and Gender.

Main Results:

• ABM protocols serve as guidelines for managing breastfeeding issues.
• The use of gender-inclusive language in ABM protocols is evolving.
• Foundational research on gender-diverse individuals' experiences is limited.

Conclusions:

• ABM is dedicated to providing inclusive and evidence-based breastfeeding care.
• Efforts are ongoing to enhance the inclusivity and accuracy of language used in protocols.
• ABM acknowledges the evolving nature of gender-inclusive language and advocates for its appropriate use.