Breast

The word breast can refer to the upper anterior part of the human chest that, in men and women, includes the mammary glands, or to either of these glands individually.

Histologically and developmentally, mammary glands are modified sweat glands.

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. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life

In the United States, promoters of breastfeeding seek greater social acceptance of public breast exposure when it occurs in the context of breastfeeding; although, they say, a woman's right to breastfeed in public is protected by law in many states, some people "may consciously or unconsciously confuse it with something that's sexual and should be done in privacy."

Exposure of the Breasts

Today it is generally considered indecent to expose the nipples of the breasts in Western society, and in many places such exposure is illegal, though groups campaign strongly in many countries to repeal such restrictions, and in more liberal European countries such as France, female toplessness is common. In some less developed countries, especially the non-Christian ones, it is also still fairly commonplace for women to go bare-breasted.

Diseases of the Breast

Diseases of the breasts include mastitis, cysts and breast cancer. Regular Breast Examinations are recommended for women. Additionally, many breasts are, or can be at times, extremely sensitive to pain and discomfort, and are highly susceptible to bruising.

Evolution of the Breast

The disproportionately large size of human breasts, compared to those of most other mammals, has given rise to a supposition that they some function in addition to nourishing young, such as providing a social or sexual signal.

Evolutionists have suggested that the development of large breasts originally came about by men selecting mates whose breasts were slightly swollen to indicate their fertility; consequently large-breasted women were disproportionately popular as sexual partners, and their genes for large-breastedness were thus favoured for transmission to future generations.^{[Citation Needed]} Today, many women undergo cosmetic surgery enhancing their breast size (and their imagined sex appeal) to unnatural levels.

Breasts in the Bible

The Song of Solomon, in particular, makes it clear that the Israelites had a healthy interest in female breasts, both as an indicator of sexual maturity and hence marriageability,

We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? Song of Solomon 18:8 (KJV)

and as objects of comfort and intrinsic beauty,

A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts. Song of Solomon 1:13 (KJV)

Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies. Song of Solomon 14:5 (KJV)

While Hosea calls for God to punish Israel,

Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. Hosea 9:14 (KJV)

Breasts in Christianity

Saint Agatha by Francisco Zurbaran (1630)

Saint Agatha of Sicily was martyred by having her breasts cut off; consequently her symbol is two breasts on a tray, and she is the patron saint of bell-founders (for the physical resemblance).