Breastfeeding: The Essential Principles

Gelfer did not disclose any financial relationships relevant to this article. Objectives After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the physiology of lactation. 2. Discuss the biologic specificity of human milk. 3. Delineate the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant, the mother, and the community. 4. Know relative and absolute contraindications to breastfeeding. 5. Describe current recommendations for breastfeeding