Breastfeeding

Home » Breastfeeding » Overview

Overview

One of the first decisions that parents must make is whether to breastfeed or to bottle feed their new baby. Breastfeeding, also called nursing or lactation, provides many benefits both for the infant and the mother; however, the decision to breastfeed or to bottle feed is a personal one that often is influenced by several factors.

Many health care providers and organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the U.S. Surgeon General, recommend breastfeeding exclusively until infants are at least 6 months of age, and preferably, until the age of 1 year. If breastfeeding is not possible, commercially-prepared formula can provide a good alternative.

Breast Anatomy
The breasts are comprised of glandular, connective, fatty, and lymphatic tissue; blood vessels; and nerves. Breast tissue extends from below the collarbone to the level of the sixth or seventh rib, and from the breastbone to the underarm (axilla). In the center of the breast are the nipple, or mammilla, and the areola (circular area around the nipple).

Each breast contains several milk glands with ducts that carry breast milk to the nipple. About 15 to 20 ducts come together near the areola to form reservoirs of milk to be drawn from the nipple. Changes in the breasts during and after pregnancy and the production of milk (lactation) are controlled by the hormones estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin. During lactation, hormone levels stimulate special cells in the breasts (called alveoli cells) to secrete milk into the milk ducts. Montgomery's glands, which are located around the edge of the areola, release a fatty substance that helps protect the nipple during nursing.

Click on image for enlargement

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Breastfeeding Resources

	Join Our Breastfeeding Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer