Changes

The word '''breast''' can refer to the upper anterior part of the human chest that include the [[mammary glands]], or to either of these glands individually.

The word '''breast''' can refer to the upper anterior part of the human chest that include the [[mammary glands]], or to either of these glands individually.

In medical and zoological parlance, both female and male humans have breasts, but those in women develop and enlarge in size at puberty while those of men remain rudimentary. Histologically and developmentally, mammary glands are modified sweat glands.<ref>Bhatnagar, S. M. (2000), ''Essentials of Human Embryology,'' p. 223, "The Integumentary System:" "The mammary glands are regarded as modified sweat glands and hence are described here."</ref>

In medical and zoological parlance, both female and male humans have breasts, but those in women develop and enlarge in size at puberty while those of men remain rudimentary. [[histology|Histologically]] and developmentally, mammary glands are modified sweat glands.<ref>Bhatnagar, S. M. (2000), ''Essentials of Human Embryology,'' p. 223, "The Integumentary System:" "The mammary glands are regarded as modified sweat glands and hence are described here."</ref>

== Breastfeeding ==

== Breastfeeding ==

In the United States, during the middle of the twentieth century, there was a tendency to deemphasize breastfeeding infants in favor of using bottled formula, partly from an impression that bottles were more modern, scientific, or hygienic. During the latter part of that century, breastfeeding has returned to favor, partly as a result of medical studies showing although infant formula is nutritionally sound, nevertheless breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and infant. For example, one medical-school-sponsored website states that in the mother breastfeeding promotes faster recovery from childbirth, feelings of well-being, and lower risk of osteoporosis, and, in the infant, fewer infections and medical problems, better brain development, and higher oxygenation.<ref>[http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/24684/24715/347943.html?d=dmtContent Benefits Of Breast-Feeding], Intelihealth (Harvard Medical School's health website)</ref> The American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life <ref>[http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496 Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk], American Academy of Pediatrics; notes that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is also recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund</ref>

In the United States, during the middle of the twentieth century, there was a tendency to deemphasize breastfeeding infants in favor of using bottled formula, partly from an impression that bottles were more modern, scientific, or hygienic. During the latter part of that century, breastfeeding has returned to favor, partly as a result of medical studies showing although infant formula is nutritionally sound, nevertheless breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and infant. For example, one medical-school-sponsored website states that in the mother breastfeeding promotes faster recovery from childbirth, feelings of well-being, and lower risk of osteoporosis, and, in the infant, fewer infections and medical problems, better brain development, and higher oxygenation.<ref>[http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/24684/24715/347943.html?d=dmtContent Benefits Of Breast-Feeding], Intelihealth (Harvard Medical School's health website)</ref> The American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life <ref>[http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496 Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk], American Academy of Pediatrics; notes that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is also recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund</ref>