Breastfeeding is a major public health issue. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients a baby needs for their first six months. Research studies also show that breastfeeding doesn't just help to protect infants from infection, but has other benefits such as reducing obesity and can help protect mothers from some diseases in later life.

Although initiation of breastfeeding is improving, the numbers who continue drop rapidly in the first few weeks highlighting that women need the support of their midwives and health visitors when beginning breastfeeding and throughout their child's infancy. Based on the UNICEF UK BFI University learning outcomes, this newly updated textbook addresses the outcomes to ensure that students are equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively promote and support breastfeeding mothers, including:

* anatomy and physiology;
* building relationships;
* essential skills and good practice guidance;
* dealing with common problems;
* public health considerations;
* babies and mothers with special needs;
* complementary feeding.