by Amy Spangler
February 06, 2009

If you are health care provider whose responsibilities include the care of breastfeeding mothers and babies, life just got easier thanks to the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC).

A comprehensive database of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, NGC is an initiative of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). AHRQ is the federal agency responsible for improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care. The NGC guidelines serve as prescriptions to guide healthcare providers in delivering evidence-based care.

The NCG database was recently expanded to include clinical protocols developed by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), a worldwide organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation through education, research, and advocacy.

The 12 newly listed ABM protocols will give healthcare providers access to evidence-based breastfeeding recommendations, management strategies, and other information. Parents and healthcare providers have long argued that breastfeeding care is inadequate and inconsistent—based on “He said.” “She said.” “That’s the way we’ve always done it.”  The ABM protocols will ensure that in the future breastfeeding care will be not only appropriate (evidence-based) but standardized.

Given the current political climate, perhaps guidelines for Congressional action are in order.