The purpose of this guideline is to improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers and infants, to assist practitioners to apply the best available research evidence to clinical decisions, and to promote the responsible use of health care resources.

Additionally, gaps in the availability of evidence-based practice will be highlighted. Nurses working in specialty areas or with special needs infants/families (i.e., pre-term infants) will require further practice direction from clinical practice guidelines
in their unique area of focus.