Physiology of lactation and factors affecting lactation.

Breast-feeding may be considered an ancient yet modern phenomenon. Despite trends toward bottle feeding in the 1950s and 1960s, the value of breast feeding is being rediscovered, because it is nutritionally ideal and now fashionable to connect pregnancy and the puerperium with being as "natural" as possible. Nursing normally begins shortly after delivery. This enhances the mother-infant relationship in terms of bonding, and it also stimulates mature milk production. The duration of the nursing period is widely variable, even within cultures. Dietary precautions should ensure adequate maternal dietary intake during breast feeding and should include avoidance of nonessential medications. With proper care and concern, nursing must be considered the ideal form of nutrition for the newborn human.