title: Special properties of human milk.
abstract: In this review, several nutritional and nonnutritive differences between mothers' milk and formula and their relationship to neonatal gastrointestinal and immune processes are discussed. The dynamic relationship of human milk as evidenced by its changing composition, unique bioactive and immunologic properties, and specialized cellular components is further delineated. The clinical significance and relevance of these findings to the clinician are then presented. Lastly, educational strategies, their effectiveness in promoting breastfeeding, and an approach that might be taken by the clinician to encourage breastfeeding are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Pittard
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding; D002657:Child Development; D004064:Digestive System / Q000254:growth & development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000254:growth & development; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000009:adverse effects; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role; D011247:Pregnancy