BMJ  2008;336:881-887 (19 April), doi:10.1136/bmj.39521.566296.BE

Clinical Review

Breast feeding

¹ Centre for Rural Health, University of Aberdeen, Inverness IV2 3BL , ² Paediatric Epidemiology and Community Health Unit, Section of Child Health, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow G3 8SJ

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Clinicians know that breast feeding is crucial to infant health in developing countries, but they may be less aware of the potential longer term health benefits for mothers and babies in developed countries, particularly in relation to obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breast feeding (breast milk only, with no water, other fluids, or solids) for six months, with supplemental breast feeding continuing for two years and beyond. Governments in the United Kingdom have adopted this recommendation, but it presents an enormous challenge for countries like the UK and the United States, where breast feeding rates have been low for decades and can seem remarkably resistant to change. In this review, we will focus mainly on developed countries, with reference to the global context. We will summarise the evidence for the beneficial effects of breastfeeding on health, discuss the epidemiology, and provide practical . . . [Full text of this article]

Sources and selection criteria

How does breast milk differ from formula milk?

What are the health benefits of breast feeding?

How have breastfeeding rates changed?

What interventions might increase breastfeeding rates?

Summary points
During pregnancy
In hospital
After birth
Policy interventions

What clinical problems arise when breast feeding?

How should doctors prescribe for breastfeeding mothers?

Guidance for prescribing in breastfeeding mothers
General
Drugs that should be used with caution and monitored
Drugs that should be avoided
Reference sources

Current hot topics

New growth charts based on breastfed babies
Tips for non-specialists
HIV and breast feeding
Donor breast milk banks
Nutrition
Additional educational resources for patients
Telephone helplines
Good sources of information and video clips
Other good sources of information
Additional educational resources for health professionals

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