ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews anatomy and physiology of the breast, benefits of breast-feeding, how to practically manage breast-feeding, problems that a woman may encounter, and where to find breast-feeding support. Breast-feeding ensures the best possible long- and short-term health outcomes, and infants should be exclusively breast-fed for the first six months of life. Practical strategies exist to help women be successful at breast-feeding while still managing home and work responsibilities. Physicians and other health care providers play a major role in encouraging, teaching, and helping to manage breast-feeding. Human breast milk is the physiological form of nutrition for infants and young children. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics state that breast-feeding ensures the best possible health outcome for the child. The commercial market for breast pumps has expanded greatly from the initial manual pumping devices.
