Includes bibliographical references and index.

Breastfeeding in modern medicine -- Anatomy of the human breast -- Physiology of lactation -- Biochemistry of human milk -- Host-resistance factors and immunologic significance of human milk -- Psychological impact of breastfeeding -- Facilitating an informed decision about breastfeeding -- Practical management of the mother-infant nursing couple -- Maternal nutrition and supplements for mother and infant -- Weaning : timing and techniques -- Normal growth, failure to thrive, and obesity in breastfed infant -- Medications, herbal preparations, and natural products in breast milk -- Transmission of infectious diseases through breast milk and breastfeeding -- Breastfeeding infants with problems -- Premature infants and breastfeeding -- Medical complications of the mother -- Human milk as a prophylaxis -- Employment and away from home activities while breastfeeding -- Induced lactation and relactation (including nursing the adopted baby) and cross-nursing -- Reproductive function during lactation -- The collection and storage of human milk and human milk banking -- Breastfeeding support groups and community resources -- Educating and training the medical professional.