Contents

#### **Preface XI**


Preface

Breastfeeding and human milk are the standard recommendation for infant feeding and nu‐ trition resulting in improved infant and maternal health outcomes. This is based on exten‐ sive strong evidence of the benefits of breastfeeding to infants and mothers. However, even though efforts have been made to increase adherence to exclusive breastfeeding until six months, and in different countries policies have been implemented to support and promote

This book includes important topics related to breastfeeding. In five chapters that address rele‐ vant issues about breastfeeding, it seeks to contribute to the training of students and the updat‐ ing of health professionals linked to the care of infants who face the process of breastfeeding. Chapter 1 introduces global and fundamental aspects of neonatal care. This introductory chapter reviews the general aspects of breastfeeding and a conceptual framework that em‐ phasizes the need to consider breastfeeding as a multifactorial phenomenon with important

Chapter 2 describes the great potential of breastfeeding for mothers and babies and discuss‐ es the functionality of some components of human milk and its similarities and differences with infant formulas. This chapter presents current knowledge regarding evidence on the importance of breastfeeding, the functionality of selected human milk ingredients, infant formulas as a human milk alternative, and the similarities and differences between human

Chapter 3 is based on evidence that breastfeeding and an enriched environment provide sig‐ nificant contributions to the infant's brain development, focusing its effect in the first 1000

Chapter 4 reviews important elements to consider in the initiation and maintenance of breast‐ feeding, reviewing historical, physiological, and epidemiological aspects based on the guide‐ lines of the World Health Organization and strategies to promote and support breastfeeding. Finally, Chapter 5 shows an interesting review that provides scientific evidence regarding the relationship between breast cancer and certain aspects of pregnancy as breastfeeding period. As described, this book includes various topics of interest for all those students and health professionals who are dedicated to child health care. It is necessary to thank each one of the authors, who through their contributions have allowed this interesting book to develop.

> **R. Mauricio Barría P., DrPH** Universidad Austral de Chile

> > Faculty of Medicine Nursing Institute Valdivia, Chile

breastfeeding, the objectives and goals established have not yet been achieved.

participation in sociocultural and psychological factors.

days as the most significant period of an infant's life.

milk and infant formulas.
