Infant nutrition

Although most physicians agree that human milk is superior to artificial feeding, the latter is far more popular in well developed countries. There are various reasons for the decrease in breast feeding but a major factor has been the introduction of a variety of simple, safe milk and milk-substitute formulas. The healthy full-term infant will thrive on any of a number of properly prepared formulas as well as human milk. Mothers should be encouraged to breast feed by the obstetrician and pediatrician, but should not be made to feel guilty if they do not. Regardless of the method used for feeding, proper instruction is mandatory. A practical approach to the management of breast feeding is presented, as is a guide to artificial feeding. A brief review of the full-term infant's nutritional requirements is given together with a comparison of human milk, cow's milk, and commercially prepared feeding products. The availability and use of the specialized formulas is also included.