Abstract
Breastfeeding is endorsed by the medical community as the optimal nutrition for infants during the first 6-12 months of life.1,2,3 Breastfeeding rates in the US and worldwide have varied over time and still vary geographically.4 There is robust literature addressing the physiology of lactation, composition of breast milk, and health advantages of breastfeeding for both the mother and infant as well as strategies for clinicians to promote and support breastfeeding. This chapter reviews breastfeeding history, how milk is made, why breastfeeding matters, and the somewhat controversial the World Health Organization’s Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)5 for successful initiation of lactation as well as some special situations. Key words: breastfeeding, infant nutrition, human milk composition, breastfeeding advantages, lactation, lactation support, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, skin to skin contact
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