Breastfeeding/lactation

Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands, and nursing describes the process of providing breast milk to the young. This process occurs in all female mammals, and in humans it is commonly referred to as breastfeeding. In humans and most species, milk comes out of the mother's nipples.

Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk. Both babies and mothers gain many benefits from breastfeeding. Breast milk is easy to digest and contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Some of the nutrients in breast milk, such as protein and vitamins, help protect an infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections, such as diarrhea, middle ear infections, and certain lung infections. Research indicates that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers.

Colostrum is the first mild produced by the mother during the initial days after giving birth. Colostrum is low in fat and high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies to help develop and support the baby's immune system.

Breastfed infants and infants who are fed breast milk have fewer deaths during the first year and experience fewer illnesses than babies fed formulas.

Research also suggests that breast milk contains important fatty acids (building blocks of cells) that help an infant's brain develop. Two specific fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), are components of the brain and are important for developing cognitive skills. Many types of infant formulas available in the United States are fortified with DHA and AA.

While there are conflicting studies about the relative value of artificial feeding, including infant formula, it is acknowledged to be inferior to breastfeeding for both full-term and premature infants. In many countries, artificial feeding is commonly associated with illness and death in infants.

National governments and international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), promote breastfeeding as the best method of feeding infants in their first years of life and beyond. Although breastfeeding is widely regarded as superior to artificial feeding, authorities also encourage the development of safe and improved artificial feeding methods.

Not all the properties of breast milk are understood, but its nutrient content has been well studied. The nutrients in breast milk come from the mother's blood and body. Some studies estimate that in women who exclusively breastfeed, 400-600 extra calories a day are used to produce milk. The water, fat, and nutrient content in breast milk may vary depending on several factors, including the manner in which the baby nurses, the mother's food consumption, and the environment.

Certain medications may pass through the breast milk to the infant when women who are breastfeeding are taking the drugs. Because of the infant's small size and the difference in metabolism between infants and adults, occasionally this transfer of medication can be harmful to the infant. The majority of drugs that are given to breastfeeding women do not cause problems in infants. Questions regarding which drugs are safe to take when breastfeeding should be directed toward a healthcare provider.

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