ABSTRACT
It is essential for healthcare professionals to have a sound knowledge of the external and internal anatomy of the breast, as well as the physiology of lactation, to support mothers effectively to feel confident about positioning and attachment, hand expression and the management of common problems. This chapter begins with an introduction to breast development in puberty, pregnancy and lactation and goes on to discuss the anatomy of the breast and the physiology of lactation. The previous chapter discussed the benefits of breastmilk in promoting good health and reducing health inequalities; this chapter will move on to discuss the properties of breastmilk that make it the ideal form of nutrition for human infants. Finally, production of breastmilk will not be continued without effective removal of breastmilk from the breast and therefore it is crucial that healthcare professionals have a clear under - standing of the mechanism of suckling and adaptation to life to teach mothers to recognise appropriate feeding behaviour.
