Breast milk proteins assist in providing adequate nutrition to breastfed infants while simultaneously aiding in the defense against infection and facilitating optimal development of important physiologic functions in newborns. 

With the knowledge of the devastating impact of human milk substitutes, significant changes have had to be taken. It is two decades since the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes has been implemented, followed by the Innocenti Declaration and the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative. By the end of 1999, 15,000 hospitals in 136 countries have earned the designation of Baby Friendly.

C.W. Binns and J.A. Scott, Acta Paediatr 2003-6;92:646-47
http://www.lalecheleague.org/cbi/journal11.03.html

Pacifier use versus no pacifier at 4 weeks' after birth caused a significant reduction in exclusive breastfeeding among babies exposed to pacifiers. Early pacifier use significantly shortened overall breastfeeding duration. The most significant impact on breastfeeding duration was the use of supplemental feedings while in the hospital. Exposures to artificial nipples are common in all locations, however they have detrimental affects on the breastfeeding relationship. The outcome of this study validates the recommendations of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.

Cynthia R. Howard et al. Pediatrics 2003-3; 111(3):511-18
http://www.lalecheleague.org/cbi/journal3.03.html

In a healthy population in developed countries there was more than a tripling in severe respiratory illnesses which resulted in hospitalization in infants who were not breastfed. Exclusive breastfeeding for four or more months appears to diminish the risk of respiratory hospitalizations to one third or less the risk for formula-fed infants, even in countries with high standards of living. Severe respiratory illness is a known risk factor for asthma. Because respiratory illness is the leading cause of hospitalization in young children (average cost for each hospitalization $3500), with more than 250,000 admissions in 1996, there are large financial implications to this report.

Virginia R. Galton Bachrach, Eleanor Schwarz and Lela Rose Bachrach. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2003-3;157(3):237-43
http://www.lalecheleague.org/cbi/journal4.03.html

The most common myth surrounding the use of contraception in lactating women is that lactation alone cannot be depended on to prevent pregnancy. The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) has been found to be better than 98 percent effective. It has been used in a wide variety of settings, cultures, socioeconomic groups, and healthcare venues. This method is a good choice for the patient who prefers a natural method or does not want to take hormonal medication in the early months postpartum while she is exclusively nursing her baby.

Victoria Nichols-Johnson MD, Breastfeeding Abstracts, November 2001, Volume 21, Number 2, pp. 11-12.
http://www.laleche.org/ba/Nov01.html

Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth. It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/policy/re9729.html

Empirical and theoretical evidence combined continues to support current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics that babies, most especially breastfed babies, need to be fed on cue and should be allowed to set their own routine, rather than placed on a predetermined schedule. The evidence is very strong that arbitrary scheduling of breastfed infant feedings is inadvisable for any mother who desires to breastfeed successfully.

La Leche League Breastfeeding Abstract
http://www.laleche.org/ba/May99.html

Employers can facilitate breastfeeding or breast milk expression in the workplace by providing private rooms, milk storage arrangements, adequate breaks during the day, flexible work schedules, and onsite child care facilities.

Health and Human Services Blue Print for Action on Breastfeeding
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/support-workplace.htm

A recent study by Karlson et al. found that breastfeeding for a total of more than 12 months had a significant dose dependent protective effect against the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine News and Views
http://www.bfmed.org/