[Breast feeding, lactation disorders and inflammatory diseases of the female breast]

Approximately 98% of our female population are capable of breast-feeding. Optimal success in breast-feeding is achieved when the first suckling stimulus occurs no later than 2 h following delivery. Obstetrical surgery impairs breast-feeding. Lactation is considered to be optimal with 7 to 10 min of milk uptake and 7 to 10 min of suckling for galactopoesis and discontinuation. The individual pattern of suckling is critical for initiation and duration of lactation. Due to environmental contamination of the milk, a critical assessment of advantages and disadvantages of breast-feeding needs to be performed if it is considered for more than four months. Early diagnosis and immediate initiation of treatment of mastitis helps avoiding abscess formation with potential surgical sequelae. Medical--dopamine agonists--and physical therapy permit continuation of breast-feeding.