Basics of breastfeeding. Part I: Infant feeding patterns past and present.

One of the great medical advances of the past decade has been the scientific validation of the importance of species-specific milk. This "discovery" has led to a growing general awareness of the value, during the first year of life, of the milk of the baby's own mother for optimal physical and emotional development. These benefits of breastfeeding may last a lifetime. The need to understand and assist the mother in maintaining this relationship presents a major challenge to the nurse. Beginning with this issue of JOGN and continuing in two subsequent issues a series of six articles is being presented that gives an overview of breastfeeding, from historical perspectives to specific problems nursing mothers may encounter. The initial installment consists of "Infant Feeding Patterns Past and Present" and "The Anatomy and Psychophysiology of Lactation." Following in September/October and November/December will be "The Biologic Specificity of Breast Milk," "Preparation for Breastfeeding and Early Optimal Functioning," "Self-Care for Continued Breastfeeding," and "Some Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions." The cultural pattern of breastfeeding in ancient and contemporary cultures are compared, and changes during the Industrial Revolution that led to the decline in breastfeeding are outlined. Also described are the consequences of the trend away from breastfeeding in Third World countries and current breastfeeding patterns in the United States.