The incidence, benefits and variables associated with breastfeeding: implications for practice

The health, nutritional and psychological benefits of breastfeeding are widely acknowledged. Breastfeeding is the recommended infant-feeding method for the first four to six months of life. Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, researchers in the United States have noted a decline in its incidence and duration over the last several years. In order to address this decline, clinicians need to be familiar with what is currently known about breastfeeding trends and benefits, as well as variables associated with infant-feeding choices and reasons for premature weaning. Current breastfeeding research and implications for nursing practice are the focus of this article. Specifically, health practitioners are encouraged to develop a prolactation protocol for their practice. This involves development and/or utilization of educational and support services that span the prenatal period and continue until the child is weaned.