Introductory Statement

Abstract

The declines in breast-feeding now occurring in developing countries have been viewed increasingly with alarm by professionals in several fields. Since breast milk is considered the best source of nutrition for infants and, in developing countries, has the added advantage of being the most sanitary source of food for infants, health personnel and nutritionists have become greatly concerned. Demographers have also voiced concern since, in the absence of family planning techniques, lactation has played an important role in maintaining fertility at a lower level than it would be if breast-feeding were not practiced.