Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from a woman's breasts, not from a baby bottle or other container. The International Breastfeeding Symbol was created by Matt Daigle a Graphic artist and father CHILD syndrome (or congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects) is a genetic disorder Breast milk refers to the Milk produced by a mother to feed her baby The breast is the upper Ventral region of an animal’s Torso, particularly that of Mammals including Human beings. A baby bottle is a Bottle with a Teat (also called a Nipple in the US) to drink directly from Babies have a sucking reflex that enables them to suck and swallow milk. Primitive reflexes are Reflex actions originating in the Central nervous system that are exhibited by normal infants but not neurologically intact adults in response It is possible for most mothers to nourish their infant (or infants in the case of twins and multiple births) by breastfeeding for the first six months, if not longer, without the supplement of infant formula milk or solid food.

According to a 2001 WHO report,^[1] alternatives to breastfeeding include:

• expressed breast milk from an infant’s own mother
• breast milk from a healthy wet-nurse or a human-milk bank
• a breast-milk substitute fed with a cup, which is a safer method than a feeding bottle and teat

In most situations human breast milk is the best source of nourishment for human infants,^[2] preventing disease, promoting health and reducing health care costs^[3] (exceptions include situations where the mother is taking certain drugs or is infected with tuberculosis or HIV). A baby bottle is a Bottle with a Teat (also called a Nipple in the US) to drink directly from Breast milk refers to the Milk produced by a mother to feed her baby Nutrition (also called nourishment or aliment) is the provision to cells and Organisms of the materials necessary (in the form of food to support Breastfeeding is the feeding of an Infant or young Child with Milk from a woman's breasts. A drug, broadly speaking is any chemical substance that when absorbed into the body Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or T u' b' erculosis Bacillus --> is a common Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome Experts disagree about how long to breastfeed to gain the greatest benefit, and about the risks of using artificial formulas. ^[4][5][6] In both developing and developed countries, artificial feeding is associated with more deaths from diarrhoea in infants. Developing countries are countries that haven't reached Western-style standards of democratic government free market economy industrialization social programs and human rights guaranties The term developed country, or advanced country, is used to categorize countries with developed Economies in which the tertiary and quaternary sectors In Medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences) is frequent loose or liquid Bowel movements Acute diarrhea ^[7]

The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of two years of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. AAP recommends at least one year of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life "provides continuing protection against diarrhea and respiratory tract infection" that is more common in babies fed formula. [3]The World Health Organization (WHO)^[8] and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)^[9] both stress the value of breastfeeding for mothers and children. The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP) is an organization of Pediatricians physicians trained to deal with the medical care of infants children and adolescents While recognizing the superiority of breastfeeding, regulating authorities work to make artificial feeding safer when it is not used. ^[5]

Contents 1 Lactation 2 Breast milk 3 Benefits for the infant 3.1 Breast Cancer 3.2 Atopy 3.3 Celiac disease 3.4 Diabetes mellitus 3.5 Diarrhea 3.6 Immune health 3.7 Intelligence 3.8 Necrotizing enterocolitis 3.9 Nutrition 3.10 Obesity 3.11 Otitis media 3.12 Respiratory infections 3.13 Sudden infant death syndrome 3.14 Urinary tract infection 4 Benefits for mothers 4.1 Breast cancer 4.2 Arthritis 4.3 Bonding 4.4 Hormone release 4.5 Weight loss 5 Organisational endorsements 5.1 World Health Organization 5.2 American Academy of Pediatrics 6 Breastfeeding difficulties 7 Infant weight gain 8 Methods and considerations 8.1 Early breastfeeding 8.2 Time and place for breastfeeding 8.3 Latching on, feeding and positioning 8.4 Exclusive breastfeeding 8.5 Expressing breast milk 8.6 Mixed feeding 8.7 Tandem breastfeeding 8.8 Extended breastfeeding 8.9 Shared breastfeeding 8.10 Weaning 9 History of breastfeeding 10 Sociological factors with breastfeeding 11 Economic factors of breastfeeding 12 See also 13 Footnotes 14 References 15 External links

Lactation

Main article: Lactation

The production, secretion and ejection of milk is called lactation. Lactation describes the secretion of Milk from the Mammary glands the process of providing that milk to the young and the period of time that a Mother It is one of the defining features of being a mammal. Mammals ( class Mammalia) are a class of Vertebrate Animals characterized by the presence of Sweat glands, including sweat glands

Breast milk

Main article: Breast milk

Not all the properties of breast milk are understood, but its nutrient content is relatively stable. Breast milk refers to the Milk produced by a mother to feed her baby The polar bear ( Ursus maritimus) is a Bear native to the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas Breast milk refers to the Milk produced by a mother to feed her baby A nutrient is food or chemicals that an organism needs to live and grow or a substance used in an organism's metabolism which must be taken in from its environment Breast milk is made from the nutrients in the mother's bloodstream and bodily stores. Some studies estimate that a woman who breastfeeds her infant exclusively uses 400 - 600 extra calories a day in producing milk. ^[10] The composition of breast milk depends on how long the baby nurses.

"Research shows that the fat and energy content of breastmilk actually increases after the first year. ^[8] Breastmilk adapts to a toddler's developing system, providing exactly the right amount of nutrition at exactly the right time. ^[9] In fact, research shows that between the ages of 12 and 24 months, 448 milliliters of a mother's milk provide these percentages of the following minimum daily requirements:

Energy 29% Folate 76% Protein 43% Vitamin B12 94% Calcium 36% Vitamin C 60%10 Vitamin A 75% "[4]

Benefits for the infant

During breastfeeding nutrients and antibodies pass to the baby^[11] and the maternal bond can also be strengthened. A nutrient is food or chemicals that an organism needs to live and grow or a substance used in an organism's metabolism which must be taken in from its environment Antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins, abbreviated Ig) are Gamma globulin Proteins that are found in Blood or other Bodily The maternal bond is typically the relationship between a Mother and her child ^[12] Research has demonstrated a variety of benefits to breastfeeding an infant. ^[13] These include:

Breast Cancer

A study at the University of Wisconsin found that adult women who were breast fed in infancy may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than their non breast-fed counterparts. ^[14]

Atopy

In children who are at risk (defined as at least one parent or sibling having atopy) atopic syndrome can be prevented or delayed through exclusive breastfeeding for four months, though these benefits may not be present after four months of age^[15] though the key factor may be the age at which non-breastmilk is introduced rather than duration of breastfeeding. Atopy (/ˈætəpi/ Greek ἀτοπία - placelessness or atopic syndrome is an allergic Hypersensitivity affecting parts of the body ^[16] Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, can be reduced through exclusive breastfeeding beyond 12 weeks in individuals with a family history of atopy, but when breastfeeding beyond 12 weeks is combined with other foods incidents of eczema rise irrespective of family history. Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a disease characterized by Chronic inflammation of the skin which is atopic, hereditary and non-contagious Eczema (from Greek έκζεμα) is a form of Dermatitis, or Inflammation of the Epidermis. ^[17]

Celiac disease

A review of the association between breastfeeding and celiac disease (CD) concluded that breast feeding while introducing gluten to the diet reduced the risk of CD. Coeliac Gluten is a composite of the proteins Gliadin and Glutenin. These exist conjoined with Starch, in the Endosperms of some The study was unable to determine if breastfeeding merely delayed symptoms or offerred life-long protection. ^[18]

Diabetes mellitus

Infants exclusively breastfed have less chance of developing diabetes mellitus type 1 than peers with a shorter duration of breastfeeding and an earlier exposure to cow milk and solid foods. Diabetes mellitus type 1 (Type 1 diabetes Type I diabetes T1D T1DM IDDM juvenile diabetes is a form of Diabetes mellitus. ^[19] Breastfeeding also appears to protect against diabetes mellitus type 2,^[20][21] at least in part due to its effects on the child's weight. Diabetes mellitus type 2 or Type 2 Diabetes (formerly called non - Insulin -dependent Diabetes mellitus (NIDDM or adult-onset diabetes is a metabolic ^[21]

Diarrhea

Breastfeeding protects infants against diarrhea as compared to formula-fed peers;^[22] compared to formula-fed peers, death rates due to diarrhea in breastfed infants are lower irrespective of the development level of the country. In Medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences) is frequent loose or liquid Bowel movements Acute diarrhea Developing countries are countries that haven't reached Western-style standards of democratic government free market economy industrialization social programs and human rights guaranties ^[7]

Immune health

Breastmilk include several anti-infective factors such as bile salt stimulated lipase (protecting against amoebic infections), lactoferrin (which binds to iron and inhibits the growth of intestinal bacteria)^[23][24] and immunoglobulin A protecting against microorganisms. An infection is the detrimental Colonization of a host Organism by a foreign Species. Bile salt dependent lipase (or BSDL) also known as carboxyl ester lipase (or CEL) is an Enzyme produced by the adult Pancreas and Amoeba (sometimes amœba or ameba, plural amoebae) is a Genus of Protozoa that moves Lactoferrin (LF also known as lactotransferrin (LTF The gut flora are the Microorganisms that normally live in the Digestive tract and can perform a number of useful functions for their hosts Immunoglobulin A ( IgA) is an Antibody playing a critical role in mucosal immunity A microorganism (also spelled micro organism or micro-organism and also called a microbe) is an Organism that is Microscopic (usually ^[25]

Despite also being a factor in the transmission of HIV from mother to child, some constituents in breastmilk may be protective of infection. Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome In particular, high levels of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids in breastmilk (including eicosadienoic, arachidonic and gamma-Linolenic acids) are associated with a reduced risk of child infection when nursed by HIV-positive mothers. Polyunsaturated Fatty acids ( PUFA) are those which contain more than one Double bond. Arachidonic acid (AA sometimes ARA is an Omega-6 fatty acid 204(ω-6 γ -Linolenic acid ( gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, sometimes called gamolenic acid) is an Essential fatty acid found primarily in Arachidonic acid and gamma-linolenic acid may also reduce viral shedding of the HIV virus in breastmilk. Chronic since 1992 ( talk) 2200 12 December 2007 (UTC --> Viral shedding ^[26]

Breastfeeding does not appear to offer protection against allergies. Allergy is a disorder of the Immune system often also referred to as Atopy. ^[27]

Intelligence

Babies with a specific variant of the FADS2 gene (approximately 90% of all babies) demonstrate an IQ an average of 7 points higher if breastfed. FADS2 is a Human Gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the fatty acid desaturase (FADS gene family ^[28]

Necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NC), found mainly in premature births, is six to ten times more common in infants fed formula exclusively, and three times more common in infants fed a mixture of breast milk and formula, as compared to exclusive breastfeeding. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC is a medical condition primarily seen in premature Infants where portions of the bowel undergo Necrosis (tissue death Premature birth (also known as preterm birth) is the Birth of a Baby before the standard period of Pregnancy is completed In infants born at more than 30 weeks, NC was twenty times more common in infants fed exclusively on formula. ^[29]

Nutrition

Breast milk contains the ideal ratio of the amino acids cystine, methionine, and taurine to support development of the central and peripheral nervous system. In Chemistry, an amino acid is a Molecule containing both Amine and Carboxyl Functional groups In Biochemistry, this Cystine is the Amino acid Dimer formed when a pair of Cysteine molecules are joined by a Disulfide bond Methionine ( abbreviated as Met or M) is an α- Amino acid with the Chemical formula HO2CCH(NH2CH2CH2SCH3 Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an Organic acid. It is also a major constituent of Bile and can be found in the lower intestine and in small In Vertebrates the central nervous system ( CNS) is the part of the Nervous system which is enclosed in the Meninges. The peripheral nervous system ( PNS) resides or extends outside the Central nervous system (CNS which consists of the Brain and Spinal cord. Children aged seven and eight years old who were of low birthweight who were breastfed for more than eight months demonstrated significantly higher intelligence quotient scores than comparable children breastfed for less time, suggesting breastfeeding offers long-term cognitive benefits in some populations. Birth weight is the weight of a baby at its birth. It has direct links with the Gestational age at which the child was born and can be estimated An Intelligence Quotient or IQ is a score derived from one of several different Standardized tests attempting to measure Intelligence. ^[30]

Obesity

Breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of extreme obesity in children aged 39 to 42 months. Obesity is a condition in which excess Body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected ^[31] The protective effect of breastfeeding against obesity is consistent, though small, across many studies, and appears to increase with the duration of breastfeeding. ^[32]

Otitis media

Increased duration of certain types of middle ear infections (otitis media with effusion, OME) in the first two years of life is associated with a shorter period of breastfeeding, in addition to feeding while lying down and maternal cigarette smoking. Otitis media is Inflammation of the Middle ear, or middle ear infection (the word otitis is Greek and it means “inflammation of the ear” and media ^[33] A reduced proportion and duration of any otitis media infection was associated with breastfeeding rather than formula feeding for the first twelve months of life. Otitis media is Inflammation of the Middle ear, or middle ear infection (the word otitis is Greek and it means “inflammation of the ear” and media ^[22]

Respiratory infections

Breastfeeding appears to reduce symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections in premature infants up to seven months after release from hospital. Upper respiratory tract infections, ( URTI or URI) are the illnesses caused by an acute Infection which involves the upper Respiratory tract: ^[34]

Sudden infant death syndrome

Breastfed babies have improved arousal from sleep, which may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS is a syndrome marked by the symptoms of sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy Infant aged one month to one year ^[35]

Urinary tract infection

Breastfeeding reduced the risk of acquiring urinary tract infections in infants up to seven months post-partum. A urinary tract infection ( UTI) is a bacterial Infection that affects any part of the Urinary tract. Postnatal ( Latin for 'after birth' from post meaning "after" and natalis meaning "of birth" is the period beginning immediately after The protection was strongest immediately after birth, and was ineffective past seven months^[36]

Benefits for mothers

Breastfeeding is a cost effective way of feeding an infant, and provides the best nourishment for a child at a small nutrient cost to the mother. Zanzibar ( is part of the East African republic of Tanzania. It consists of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Frequent and exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of fertility through lactational amenorrhea, though breastfeeding is at best an imperfect means of birth control. The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM is a method of avoiding pregnancies which is based on the natural Postpartum infertility that occurs when a woman is amenorrheic Birth control, sometimes synonymous with contraception, is a regimen of one or more actions devices or Medications followed in order to deliberately prevent During breastfeeding beneficial hormones are released into the mother's body. Hormones (from Greek ὁρμή - "impetus" are chemicals released by cells that affect cells in other parts of the body ^[11] and the maternal bond can be strengthened. ^[12] Breastfeeding is possible throughout pregnancy, but generally milk production will be reduced at some point. Pregnancy ( Latin graviditas) is the carrying of one or more offspring known as a Fetus or Embryo, inside the Uterus of a Female ^[37]

Breast cancer

Breastfeeding mothers have less risk of endometrial,^[38][39] breast and ovarian cancer,^[9][12] and osteoporosis. Endometrial cancer refers to several types of malignancy which arise from the Endometrium, or lining of the Uterus. Breast cancer is a Cancer that starts in the cells of the Breast in women and men Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth arising from an Ovary. The cancer most commonly forms in the lining of the ovary (resulting in epithelial Osteoporosis is a Disease of Bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. ^[9][12] Mothers who breastfeed longer than eight months also benefit from bone re-mineralisation^[40] and breastfeeding diabetic mothers require less insulin. Diabetes mellitus (ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz or /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtəs/ /məˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlətəs/ often referred to simply as diabetes ( Ancient Greek: grc ^[41] Breastfeeding helps stabilize maternal endometriosis,^[9] reduces the risk of post-partum bleeding^[42] and benefits the insulin levels for mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome. Endometriosis (from endo, "inside" and metra, " Womb " is a common medical condition characterized by growth beyond or outside the uterus Bleeding, technically known as hemorrhaging / haemorrhaging (see American and British spelling differences) is the loss of Blood from Insulin is a Hormone with intensive effects on both metabolism and several other body systems (eg vascular compliance Polycystic ovary syndrome abbreviated PCOS or PCO (also known clinically as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, Sclerocystic ovary syndrome, Hyperthecosis ^[43]

Some breastfeeding women have pain from candidiasisor staphylococcus infections of the nipple^[44] though these can be managed with medical attention with little concern for mother and child. Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a Fungal infection (mycosis of any of the Candida species of which Staphylococcus (in Greek σταφυλη staphyle means bunch of grapes and κοκκος coccos means granule is a genus of Gram-positive In its most general form a nipple is a Structure from which a fluid emanates

Arthritis

Women who breast feed for longer have a smaller chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis, suggests a Malmo University study published online ahead of print in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (See Women Who Breast Feed for More than a Year Halve Their Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis). The study also found that taking oral contraceptives, which are suspected to protect against the disease because they contain hormones that are raised in pregnancy, did not have the same effect. Simply having children but not breast feeding also did not seem to be protective.

Bonding

The hormones released during breastfeeding strengthen the maternal bond. The maternal bond is typically the relationship between a Mother and her child Teaching partners how to manage common difficulties is associated with higher breastfeeding rates. ^[45] Support for a mother while breastfeeding can assist in familial bonds and help build a paternal bond between father and child. Human bonding refers to the development of a close Interpersonal relationship between family members or friends The paternal bond is typically the relationship between a Father and his child ^[46]

If the mother is away, an alternative caregiver may be able to feed the baby with expressed breast milk. The various breast pumps available for sale and rent help working mothers to feed their babies breast milk for as long as they want. A breast pump is a mechanical device (powered manually or by electricity that extracts Milk from the Breasts of a female who is Lactating. To be successful, the mother must produce and store enough milk to feed the child for the time she is away, and the feeding caregiver must be comfortable in handling breast milk.

Hormone release

Breastfeeding releases the hormones oxytocin and prolactin which relax the mother and make her feel more nurturing toward her baby. Oxytocin ( IPA: /ˌɔksɪˈtoʊsɪn/ (Greek "quick birth" is a Mammalian Hormone that also acts as a Neurotransmitter in the Prolactin ( PRL) or Luteotropic hormone ( LTH) is a Peptide hormone primarily associated with Lactation. ^[47] Breastfeeding soon after giving birth increases the mother's oxytocin levels, making her uterus contract more quickly and reducing bleeding. Oxytocin is similar to pitocin, a synthetic hormone used to make the uterus contract. ^[42]

Weight loss

As fat accumulated during pregnancy is used to produce milk, extended breastfeeding—at least 6 months—can help mothers lose weight. ^[48] However, weight loss is highly variable among lactating women, and diet and exercise is a more reliable way of losing weight. ^[49]

Organisational endorsements

World Health Organization

“

[the] vast majority of mothers can and should breastfeed, just as vast majority of infants can and should be breastfed. Only under exceptional circumstances can a mother's milk be considered as unsuitable for her infant. For those few health situations where infants cannot, or should not, be breastfed, the choice of the best alternative - expressed milk from the infant's own mother, breast milk from a healthy wet-nurse or a human-milk bank, or a breast milk substitute fed with a cup, which is a safer method than a feeding bottle or a teat - depends on individual circumstances. Infants who are not breastfed, for whatever reason, should receive special attention from the health and social welfare system since they constitute a risk group. [50]

”

The WHO recommends two years of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

American Academy of Pediatrics

“

Extensive research, especially in recent years, documents diverse and compelling advantages to infants, mothers, families, and society from breastfeeding and the use of human milk for infant feeding. These include health, nutritional, immunologic, developmental, psychological, social, economic, and environmental benefits. [9]

”

AAP recommends at least one year of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

Breastfeeding difficulties

Main article: Breastfeeding complications#When breastfeeding might harm the infant

Despite being a natural human activity, breastfeeding difficulties are not uncommon. Breastfeeding is the feeding of an Infant or young Child with Milk from a woman's breasts. Putting the baby to the breast as soon as possible after birth helps to avoid many problems. The AAP breastfeeding policy says: Delay weighing, measuring, bathing, needle-sticks, and eye prophylaxis until after the first feeding is completed. ^[9] Many breastfeeding difficulties can be resolved with proper hospital procedures, properly trained midwives, doctors and hospital staff, and lactation consultants. ^[51] There are some situations in which breastfeeding may be harmful to the infant, including infection with tuberculosis or HIV, some medications and some drugs. Breastfeeding is the feeding of an Infant or young Child with Milk from a woman's breasts. Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or T u' b' erculosis Bacillus --> is a common Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome Medication, also referred to as medicine, can be loosely defined as any substance intended for use in the diagnosis cure mitigation treatment or prevention of disease A drug, broadly speaking is any chemical substance that when absorbed into the body

Infant weight gain

Breastfed infants generally gain weight according to the following guidelines:

0–4 months: 170 grams per week^†

4–6 months: 113–142 grams per week

6–12 months: 57–113 grams per week

^† It is acceptable for some babies to gain 113–142 grams (4–5 ounces) per week. This average is taken from the lowest weight, not the birth weight.

The average breastfed baby doubles birth weight in 5–6 months. By one year, the typical breastfed baby will weigh about 2½ times birth weight. At one year, breastfed babies tend to be leaner than bottle fed babies. ^[52] By two years, differences in weight gain and growth between breastfed and formula-fed babies are no longer evident. ^[53];

Methods and considerations

There are many books and videos to advise mothers about breastfeeding. Lactation consultants in hospitals or private practice, and volunteer organisations of breastfeeding mothers such as La Leche League also provide advice and support. A lactation consultant is a healthcare provider recognized as an Expert in the fields of Human Lactation and Breastfeeding. La Leche League International ( LLLI) ( La Leche is Spanish for "the milk" is an international nonprofit organization that distributes information

Early breastfeeding

In the half hour after birth, the baby's suckling reflex is strongest, and the baby is more alert, so it is the ideal time to start breastfeeding. ^[54]. Early breast-feeding is associated with fewer nighttime feeding problems ^[55]

Time and place for breastfeeding

Breastfeeding at least once every two to three hours helps to maintain milk production. For most women, eight breastfeeding or pumping sessions every 24 hours keeps their milk production high. ^[9] Newborn babies may feed more often than this: 10 to 12 breastfeeding sessions every 24 hours is common, and some may even feed 18 times a day. ^[56] Feeding a baby on demand (sometimes referred to as "on cue"), may mean breastfeeding much more than the recommended minimum. Feeding when the baby shows early signs of hunger, is the best way to maintain milk production and ensure the baby's needs for milk and comfort are being met. Hunger is a feeling experienced usually followed by a desire to Eat. ^[8] However, it may be important to recognize whether a baby is truly hungry, as breastfeeding too frequently may mean the child receives a disproportionately high amount of foremilk, and not enough hindmilk, potentially creating problems. ^[57].

"Experienced breastfeeding mothers learn that the sucking patterns and needs of babies vary. While some infants' sucking needs are met primarily during feedings, other babies may need additional sucking at the breast soon after a feeding even though they are not really hungry. Babies may also nurse when they are lonely, frightened or in pain. [5]"

"Comforting and meeting sucking needs at the breast is nature's original design. Pacifiers (dummies, soothers) are literally a substitute for the mother when she can't be available. Other reasons to pacify a baby primarily at the breast include superior oral-facial development, prolonged lactational amenorrhea, avoidance of nipple confusion and stimulation of an adequate milk supply to ensure higher rates of breastfeeding success. [6]"

Babies usually show they are hungry by waking up (newborns), mouthing their fists, moaning or fussing. Crying is a late indicator of hunger. When a baby's cheeks are stroked, the rooting instinct makes it move its face towards the stroking and open its mouth.

Breastfeeding can make mothers thirsty, especially at first, when both mother and baby are inexperienced and when feeding sessions can last for an hour or more (there is no time limit for breastfeeding). Having water readily available helps mothers maintain proper hydration.

Most US states now have breastfeeding laws which allow a mother to breastfeed her baby anywhere she is allowed to be. In hospitals, rooming-in care is used for breastfeeding. There are breastfeeding rooms in some places, including hypermarkets. In Commerce, a hypermarket is a superstore which combines a Supermarket and a Department store.

Latching on, feeding and positioning

When the nipple strokes the baby's cheek the baby will open its mouth and turn towards the nipple. To help the baby latch on well, tickle the baby's top lip with the nipple, wait until the baby's mouth opens wide, then bring the baby up towards the nipple quickly, so that the baby has a mouthful of nipple and areola. This aritcle is about the breast tissue For the Entomology term see Glossary of Lepidopteran_terms#Wings. The nipple should be at the back of the baby's throat, with the baby's tongue lying flat in its mouth. Inverted or flat nipples can be massaged so that the baby will have more to latch onto. An inverted nipple (occasionally invaginated nipple) is a Nipple that instead of pointing outward is retracted into the Breast. Resist the temptation to move towards the baby, as this can lead to poor attachment.

Many women wear nursing brassieres for easier access to the breast, but these are not always necessary and certainly not required. brassiere ( Brit /'bɹæzɪə(ɹ/ US /bɹə'ziɹ/ commonly referred to as a bra, /bɹɑ/ is an article of clothing that covers supports and elevates In the very early days, wearing a nursing bra can make breastfeeding complicated and uncomfortable. Wearing a bra at any time after birth will not affect how the breast changes with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Many women find that the size of their breasts change dramatically and so fitting a bra is better done after childbirth rather than before. An ill-fitting bra, whether designed for nursing or otherwise, can cause plugged ducts or mastitis. Mastitis is the Inflammation of the Parenchyma of the Mammary gland ( Breast in Primates Udder in other mammals

Pain in the nipple or breast is linked to incorrect breastfeeding techniques. Failure to latch on is one of the main reasons for ineffective feeding and can lead to infant health concerns. A 2006 study found that inadequate parental education, incorrect breastfeeding techniques, or both were associated with higher rates of preventable hospital admissions in newborns. ^[58]

The baby may pull away from the nipple after a few minutes or after a much longer period of time. Normal feeds at the breast can last a few sucks (newborns), from 10 to 20 minutes or even longer (on demand). Sometimes, after the finishing of a breast, the mother may offer the other breast.

The length of feeds varies a lot. Regardless of the time taken, the breastfeeding mother should be comfortable.

• Upright: The sitting position with the back straight and leaning back comfortably.
• Mobile: The mother carries her nursling in a sling or other baby carrier while breastfeeding. Doing so permits the mother to incorporate breastfeeding into the varied work of daily life
• Lying down: Good for night feeds or for those who have had a caesarean section
  • On her back: Mother is usually sitting slightly upright; particularly useful for tandem breastfeeding (nursing more than one child)
  • On her side: The mother and baby lie on their sides
• Hands and knees: The mother is on all fours with the baby underneath her (not usually recommended)

While most women breastfeed their child in the cradling position, there are many ways to hold the feeding baby. A Caesarean section (or Cesarean section in American English) also known as C-section, is a form of Childbirth in which a surgical It depends on the mother and child's comfort and the feeding preference of the baby. Some babies prefer one breast to the other, but the mother should offer both breasts at every nursing with her newborn.

• Cradling positions:
  • Cradle hold: The baby is held with its head in the woman's elbow horizontally across the abdomen, "tummy to tummy", with the woman in an upright and supported position image
  • Cross-cradle hold: As above but the baby is held with its head in the woman's hand
• Football hold: The woman is upright and the baby is held securely under the mother's arm with the head cradled in her hands. In Vertebrates such as Mammals the abdomen (belly constitutes the part of the body between the Thorax (chest and Pelvis. This position is especially useful for feeding twins simultaneously image
• Feeding up hill: The baby lies stomach to stomach with the mother who is lying on her back; this is helpful for babies finding it difficult to feed
• Lying down:
  • On its side: The mother and baby lie on their sides
  • On its back: The baby is lying on its back (cushioned by something soft) with the mother on her hands and knees above the child (not usually recommended)

When tandem breastfeeding, the mother is unable to move the baby from one breast to another and comfort can be more of an issue. As tandem breastfeeding brings extra strain to the arms, especially as the babies grow, many mothers of twins recommend the use of more supporting pillows. Favored positions include:

• Double cradle hold
• Double clutch hold image
• One clutched baby and one cradled baby
• Lying down

Exclusive breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding is when an infant receives no other food or drink besides breast milk. ^[8] National and international guidelines recommend that all infants be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life. It is generally accepted that newborns should be exclusively breastfed for around 6 months. Breastfeeding may continue with the addition of appropriate foods, for two years or more. Exclusive breastfeeding has dramatically reduced infant deaths in developing countries by reducing diarrhea and infectious diseases. In Medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences) is frequent loose or liquid Bowel movements Acute diarrhea An infectious disease is a clinically evident Disease resulting from the presence of Pathogenic microbial agents including Pathogenic viruses Pathogenic

Exclusively breastfed infants feed anywhere from 6 to 14 times a day. Newborns consume from 30 to 90 ml (1 to 3 US fluid ounces). After the age of four weeks, babies consume about 120ml (4 US fluid ounces) per feed. Each baby is different, but as it grows the amount will increase. It is important to recognize the baby's hunger signs. It is assumed that the baby knows how much milk it needs and it is therefore advised that the baby should dictate the number, frequency, and length of each feed. The supply of milk from the breast is determined by the number and length of these feeds or the amount of milk expressed. The birth weight of the baby may affect its feeding habits, and mothers may be influenced by what they perceive its requirements to be. Birth weight is the weight of a baby at its birth. It has direct links with the Gestational age at which the child was born and can be estimated For example, a baby born small for gestational age may lead a mother to believe that her child needs to feed more than if it larger; they should, however, go by the demands of the baby rather than what they feel is necessary.

While it can be hard to measure how much food a breastfed baby consumes, babies normally feed to meet their own requirements. ^[59] Babies that fail to eat enough may exhibit symptoms of failure to thrive. Failure to thrive (FTT is a medical term which denotes poor weight gain and physical growth failure over an extended period of time in Infancy. If necessary, it is possible to estimate feeding from wet and soiled nappies (diapers): 8 wet cloth or 5–6 wet disposable, and 2–5 soiled per 24 hours suggests an acceptable amount of input for newborns older than 5–6 days old. After 2–3 months, stool frequency is a less accurate measure of adequate input as some normal infants may go up to 10 days between stools. Babies can also be weighed before and after feeds.

Expressing breast milk

When direct breastfeeding is not possible, a mother can express (artificially remove and store) her milk. With manual massage or using a breast pump, a woman can express her milk and keep it in freezer storage bags, a supplemental nursing system, or a bottle ready for use. A breast pump is a mechanical device (powered manually or by electricity that extracts Milk from the Breasts of a female who is Lactating. A supplemental nursing system (SNS is used by Breastfeeding mothers of newborns if they are having difficulty establishing their milk supply A baby bottle is a Bottle with a Teat (also called a Nipple in the US) to drink directly from Breast milk may be kept at room temperature for up to ten hours, refrigerated for up to eight days or frozen for up to four to six months. Room temperature (also referred to as ambient temperature) is a common term to denote a certain Temperature within enclosed space at which humans are accustomed Research suggests that the antioxidant activity in expressed breast milk decreases over time but it still remains at higher levels than in infant formula. ^[60]

Expressing breast milk can maintain a mother's milk supply when she and her child are apart. If a sick baby is unable to feed, expressed milk can be fed through a nasogastric tube. Nasogastric intubation is a medical process involving the insertion of a plastic tube ( nasogastric tube NG tube) through the Nose, past the Throat

Expressed milk can also be used when a mother is having trouble breastfeeding, such as when a newborn causes grazing and bruising. If an older baby bites the nipple, the mother's reaction - a jump and a cry of pain - is usually enough to discourage the child from biting again. (Another possibility is responding to the bite by drawing the baby so close that his nose is covered and he cannot breathe without releasing. ^[61]) Babies or toddlers that are truly feeding cannot physically bite the nipple.

"Exclusively Expressing", "Exclusively pumping" and "EPing" are terms for a mother who feeds her baby exclusively on her breastmilk while not physically breastfeeding. This may arise because her baby is unable or unwilling to latch on to the breast. With good pumping habits, particularly in the first 12 weeks when the milk supply is being established, it is possible to produce enough milk to feed the baby for as long as the mother wishes. Kellymom [7] has a page of links relating to exclusive pumping.

It is generally advised to delay using a bottle to feed expressed breast milk until the baby is 4-6 weeks old and is good at sucking directly from the breast. ^[62] Because It takes less effort to suck from a bottle, a baby might lose its desire to suck from the breast. This is called nursing strike or nipple confusion. To avoid this when feeding expressed breast milk (EBM) before 4-6 weeks of age, it is recommended that breast milk be given by other means such as feeding spoons or feeding cups. Also, EBM should be given by someone other than the breastfeeding mother (or wet nurse), so that the baby can learn to associate direct feeding with the mother (or wet nurse) and associate bottle feeding with other people.

Some women donate their expressed breast milk (EBM) to others, either directly or through a milk bank. A human milk bank is "a service which collects screens processes and dispenses by prescription human milk donated by nursing mothers who are not biologically Though historically the use of wet nurses was common, some women dislike the idea of feeding their own child with another woman's milk; others appreciate being able to give their baby the benefits of breast milk. A wet nurse is a woman who breast feeds a baby that is not her own Feeding expressed breast milk—either from donors or the baby's own mother—is the feeding method of choice for premature babies. ^[63] The transmission of some viral diseases through breastfeeding can be prevented by expressing breast milk and subjecting it to Holder pasteurisation. A virus (from the Latin virus meaning Toxin or Poison) is a sub-microscopic infectious agent that is unable Pasteurization is the process of heating Liquids for the purpose of destroying bacteria, Protozoa, Molds and Yeasts The process was ^[64]

Mixed feeding

Predominant or mixed breastfeeding means feeding breast milk along with infant formula, baby food and even water, depending on the age of the child. Infant formula is an artificial substitute for human Breast milk, designed for Infant consumption Baby food is any Food, other than breastmilk or infant formula that is given specifically to Infants roughly between the ages of four months Babies feed differently with artificial teats than from a breast. When feeding from the breast, the tongue massages the milk out rather than sucking, and the nipple does not go as far into the mouth; when feeding from a bottle, an infant will suck harder and the milk may come in more rapidly. Therefore, mixing breastfeeding and bottle-feeding (or using a pacifier) before the baby is used to feeding from its mother can induce the infant to prefer the bottle to the breast. A pacifier, dummy, or soother is a Rubber, Plastic, or Silicone Nipple given to an Infant or other young Orthodontic teats, which are generally slightly longer, are closer to the nipple. Some mothers supplement feed with a small syringe or flexible cup to reduce the risk of artificial nipple preference.

Tandem breastfeeding

Feeding two children at the same time is called tandem breastfeeding The most common reason for tandem breastfeeding is the birth of twins, although women with closely spaced children can and do continue to nurse the older as well as the younger. Twins are Offspring resulting from the same Pregnancy, either of the same or opposite Sex. As the appetite and feeding habits of each baby may not be the same, this could mean feeding each according to their own individual needs, and can also include breastfeeding them together, one on each breast.

In cases of triplets or more, it is a challenge for a mother to organize feeding around the appetites of all the babies. A multiple birth occurs when more than one Fetus is carried to term in a single Pregnancy. While breasts can respond to the demand and produce large quantities of milk, it is common for women to use alternatives. However, some mothers have been able to breastfeed triplets successfully ^{[65][66] [67]}.

Tandem breastfeeding may also occur when a woman has a baby while breastfeeding an older child. During the late stages of pregnancy the milk will change to colostrum, and some older nurslings will continue to feed even with this change, while others may wean due to the change in taste or drop in supply. Feeding a child while being pregnant with another can also be considered a form of tandem feeding for the nursing mother, as she also provides the nutrition for two. ^[68]

Extended breastfeeding

Breastfeeding past two years is called extended breastfeeding or "sustained breastfeeding" by supporters and those outside the U. S. ^[69]) Supporters of extended breastfeeding believe that all the benefits of human milk, nutritional, immunological and emotional, continue for as long as a child nurses. Often the older child will nurse infrequently or sporadically as a way of bonding with the mother.

Shared breastfeeding

Main article: Wet nurse

It used to be common worldwide, and still is in developing nations such as those in Africa, for more than one woman to breastfeed a child. A wet nurse is a woman who breast feeds a baby that is not her own Developing countries are countries that haven't reached Western-style standards of democratic government free market economy industrialization social programs and human rights guaranties Shared breastfeeding is a risk factor for HIV infection in infants. Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ^[70] A woman who is engaged to breastfeed another's baby is known as a wet nurse. A wet nurse is a woman who breast feeds a baby that is not her own Islam has codified the relationship between this woman and the infants she nurses, and also between the infants when they grow up, so that milk siblings are considered as blood siblings and cannot marry. For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. In Islamic Sharia legal terminology a mahram ( Arabic محرم also Transliterated mahrim or maharem) is an Shared breastfeeding can incur strong negative reactions in the Anglosphere^[71]; American feminist activist Jennifer Baumgardner has written about her experiences in New York with this issue^[72]. The word Anglosphere describes a concept of a group of Anglophone ( English -speaking nations which share historical political and cultural characteristics rooted Jennifer Baumgardner (born circa 1970 is an author and third-wave feminist activist New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous

Weaning

Weaning is the process of introducing the infant to other food and reducing the supply of breast milk. The infant is fully weaned once it relies on other food for all its nutrition and it no longer receives any breast milk. Most mammals stop producing the enzyme lactase at the end of weaning, and become lactose intolerant. Enzymes are Biomolecules that catalyze ( ie increase the rates of Chemical reactions Almost all enzymes are Proteins Lactase (LCT a part of the β-galactosidase family of Enzymes is a Glycoside hydrolase involved in the Hydrolysis Lactose intolerance is the inability to metabolize Lactose, a sugar found in Milk and other Dairy products because the required enzyme Many humans have a mutation that allows the production of lactase throughout life and can drink milk - usually cow or goat milk - well beyond the age of weaning. ^[73]

In the past, bromocriptine was sometimes used to reduce the engorgement experienced by many women during weaning. Bromocriptine (brand names include Parlodel an Ergoline derivative is a Dopamine agonist that is used in the treatment of Pituitary Tumors Breast engorgement occurs in the Mammary glands when too much Breast milk is contained within them However, it was discovered that when used for this purpose, this medication posed serious health risks to women, such as stroke, and the U. A stroke is the rapidly developing loss of brain functions due to a disturbance in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain S. FDA withdrew this indication for the drug in 1994. ^[74]

History of breastfeeding

Main article: History of breastfeeding

Prior to the twentieth century, alternatives to breastfeeding were rare. Breastfeeding is the feeding of breastmilk to a child directly from mouth to breast contact Attempts in 15th century Europe to use cow or goat's milk were not very positive. In the 18th century, flour or cereal mixed with broth were introduced as substitutes for breastfeeding, but this did not have a favorable outcome, either. True commercial infant formulas appeared on the market in the mid 19th Century but their use did not become widespread until after WWII. Infant formula is an artificial substitute for human Breast milk, designed for Infant consumption World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including As the superior qualities of breast milk became better-established in medical literature, breastfeeding rates have increased and countries have enacted measures to protect the rights of infants and mothers to breastfeed.

Sociological factors with breastfeeding

Researchers have found several social factors that correlate with differences in initiation, frequency, and duration of breastfeeding practices of mothers. Race, ethnic differences and socioeconomic status and other factors have been shown to affect a mother’s choice whether or not to breastfeed and how long she breastfeeds her child.
Education According to Singh, Kogan, and Lee, more mothers with higher education levels correlate breastfeed, and these mothers breastfeed for longer.
Race and culture Singh et al also found that African American women are less likely than white women of similar socioeconomic status to breastfeed and Hispanic women are more likely to breastfeed. This may be evidence that breastfeeding acceptability is based on cultural acceptance, and that acceptance is related to socioeconomic status in the mother’s culture. The Center of Disease Control used information from the National Immunization Survey to determine the proportion of Caucasian and African American children that were ever breast fed. They found that 71. 5% of Caucasians had breastfed their child while only 50. 1% of African Americans had. At six months of age this fell to 53. 9% of Caucasian mothers and 43. 2% of African American mothers who were still breastfeeding.
Income Deborah L. Dee's research found that women and children who qualify for WIC, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children were among those who were least likely to initiate breastfeeding. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (known as WIC) is a Federal assistance program of the Food and Nutrition Service Income level can also contribute to women discontinuing breastfeeding early. More highly educated women are more likely to have access to information regarding difficulties with breastfeeding, allowing them to continue breastfeeding through difficulty rather than weaning early. Women in higher status jobs are more likely to have access to a lactation room and suffer less social stigma from having to breastfeed or express breastmilk at work. In addition, women who are unable to take an extended leave from work following the birth of their child are less likely to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.
Other factors Other factors they found to have an effect on breastfeeding are “household composition, metropolitan/non-metropolitan residence, parental education, household income or poverty status, neighborhood safety, familial support, maternal physical activity, and household smoking status. ”

Economic factors of breastfeeding

Women who are less likely to breastfeed are more likely to incur medical bills due to the lack of protection that breast milk gives to the child. In the case of poor mothers this combined with the extra cost of artificial feeding could result in more debt, and even worse poverty. The birth of a child puts an economic strain on parents, but this is exacerbated if the baby is not breastfed. This is also linked to Michael Marmot’s theory of status syndrome, in which status level, determined by education, wealth, occupation, and social prestige, determines how healthy people are. Many programs have been created to help reduce the disparity between low income and African American mothers and other mothers in choosing to breastfeed. These programs include the WIC, WHO, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, United Nation’s Children’s Fund, and La Leche League International. They work to educate women about breastfeeding and try to alleviate some of the stresses in breastfeeding in today’s society. However, according to the latest figures, WIC’s efforts have not been successful in increasing the number of breastfed infants. If these organizations had a little more success, the disparity between the socioeconomic groups could be reduced, and result in a healthier general population. Higher breastfeeding rates will not reduce the socioeconomic disparity, but it might help to increase the health of those who are poor and disadvantaged. So, breastfeeding could help to alleviate the economic stresses and poor health of the working class and the poor.

See also

• Baby-friendly hospital
• Baby-led weaning
• Breast shell
• Erotic lactation
• Human milk banking in North America
• Milk line
• Nursing chair

Footnotes

References

• Hausman, Bernice (2003). Mother's Milk: Breastfeeding Controversies in American Culture. New York: Routledge. ISBN 0-415-96656-6.  
• Huggins, Kathleen (1999). The Nursing Mother's Companion, 4th ed. , Harvard Common Press. ISBN 1-55832-152-7.  
• Mohrbacher N, Stock J (2003). The Breastfeeding Answer Book. La Leche League International, Schaumburg, Illinois. ISBN 0-912500-92-1.  
• Stuart-Macadam P, Dettwyler K (1995). Dr Katherine A Dettwyler is an Anthropology professor at the University of Delaware in Newark Delaware Breastfeeding: Biocultural Perspectives (Foundations of Human Behavior). Aldine de Gruyter. ISBN 0-202-01192-5.  
• Leeson C, Kattenhorn M, Deanfield J, Lucas A (2001). "Duration of breast feeding and arterial distensibility in early adult life: population based study". BMJ 322 (7287): 643-7. doi:10.1136/bmj.322.7287.643. A digital object identifier ( DOI) is a permanent identifier given to an Electronic document. PMID 11250848.  
• Health risks of not breastfeeding US Department of Health & Human Services

External links

• High Quality Breastfeeding Online Guide
• Breastfeeding at the Open Directory Project
• Human Milk Secretion: An Overview from the US National Institute of Health

The Open Directory Project ( ODP) also known as dmoz (from directory

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