Breastfeeding and Lactation

Over time, the popularity of breastfeeding has waxed and waned. Recently, however, the scientific community has recognized the benefits of breastfeeding and has joined the many lay groups that have championed breastfeeding. The World Health Organization has long recognized the importance of breastfeeding for children's health. It continues to champion “child-friendly” hospitals that help support and encourage breastfeeding by promoting obstetrical and neonatal practices supportive of successful breastfeeding. Less discussed, but just as important, are the real benefits for the mother and for the family and society in general. Even now, however, many women start by believing that they will breastfeed, but they switch early to other types of milk, before the ideal period of breastfeeding for the first 6 to 12 months of life ...