Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 December 2009
Introduction
Both governmental and medical professional organizations have strongly recommended breastfeeding for all infants. Human milk is recommended as the exclusive nutrient source for feeding full-term infants for approximately the first 6 months after birth and should be continued, with the addition of solid foods, for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired. The recommendation for human milk feeding arises because of its acknowledged benefits with respect to infant nutrition, gastrointestinal function, host defense, and psychological wellbeing. It is important to note that favorable outcomes of breastfeeding are reported both for infants and mothers. The unique species-specificity of human milk should be considered in any discussion of the merits of breastfeeding. The incidence of breastfeeding in the USA increased during the 1970s and peaked in the mid-1980s. Nationwide figures for 1983 indicated that 62% of women chose to breastfeed their newborns. Recent data suggest that rates of initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding are continuing to increase at a rate of 2% per year. To meet the challenge imposed by this increased awareness, physicians desire to expand their knowledge to understand the reasons why breastfeeding is so vital to health and wellbeing. This chapter describes the rationale behind the current recommendations for breastfeeding, including the effects of breastfeeding on infants, mothers, and society.
Milk composition
The milk produced in the first few days is colostrum, a relatively denser milk characterized by high concentrations of protein and antibodies.
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