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Breast milk is a unique bioactive substance that changes composition to suit the nutritional, developmental, and immunological needs of the growing infant and young child. While breast milk and lactation can be viewed as a biological system, the act of breastfeeding is a behavior that involves complex social and cultural norms and maternal and infant attributes. Successful breastfeeding is not the sole responsibility of a mother, but requires collective social responsibility and supportive public policies. Breastfeeding not only benefits child health and development, it also holds benefits for maternal health. Rates of exclusive breastfeeding are increasing; however, rates of continued breastfeeding are declining.
