Is breast the best?

Abstract

With the recent resurgence of breast-feeding, the medical profession has been facing numerous questions regarding the advantages, limitations and practicality of this mode of infant feeding. The recent identification in human milk of "growth modulators" has probably augmented its nutritional superiority. Several psychosocial advantages of breast-feeding have also become well recognized. The increasing knowledge on the immunologic quality of human milk has contributed a great deal to the explanation of the long noticed lower morbidity and mortality in breastfed infants. Several benefits have also been recognized for the nursing mother herself. On the other hand, problems in breast-feeding may arise from conditions either in the infant or in the mother. Only a few such conditions constitute absolute obstacles to breast-feeding. In promoting breast-feeding, a leading role should be exercised by the medical profession assisted by a responsible role for the formula manufacturers and a supporting role for the women's organizations.