RT Book, Section
A1 Rogers, Vanessa L.
A1 Roberts, Scott W.
A2 Papadakis, Maxine A.
A2 McPhee, Stephen J.
A2 Rabow, Michael W.
A2 McQuaid, Kenneth R.
SR Print(0)
ID 1193159160
T1 Lactation
T2 Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2023
YR 2023
FD 2023
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781264687343
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1193159160
RD 2024/04/24
AB Breastfeeding  should  be  encouraged  by  education  throughout  pregnancy  and  the  puerperium.  Mothers  should  be  told  the  benefits  of  breastfeeding,  including  infant  immunity,  emotional  satisfaction,  mother-infant  bonding,  and  economic  savings.  The  period  of  amenorrhea  associated  with  frequent  and  consistent  breastfeeding  provides  some  (although  not  reliable)  birth  control  until  menstruation  begins  at  6–12  months  postpartum  or  the  intensity  of  breastfeeding  diminishes.  Even  a  brief  period  of  nursing  is  beneficial.  Transfer  of  immunoglobulins,  macrophages,  and  lymphocytes  in  colostrum  and  breast  milk  immunoprotects  the  infant  against  many  systemic  and  enteric  infections.  The  intestinal  flora  of  breastfed  infants  inhibit  the  growth  of  pathogens.  Breastfed  infants  have  fewer  bacterial  and  viral  infections,  fewer  GI  tract  infections,  and  fewer  allergy  problems  than  bottle-fed  infants.  Furthermore,  they  are  less  apt  to  be  obese  as  children  and  adults.