The immunologic significance of breast milk.

The importance of breast milk in protecting the newborn from infection is recognized worldwide. Infant morbidity and mortality have been directly affected by a decline in breastfeeding. Health care providers are working toward meeting the national goal of increased initiation and duration of breastfeeding. This article focuses on the protective factors transferred to the infant through breast milk. A discussion of maximizing the immunologic benefits of breast milk for the high-risk infant is presented.