The anatomy of the lactating breast

It is well established that breast milk provides the infant with optimal nutritional and developmental factors. Organisations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding (or the provision of mother’s own milk) for all infants, including high risk and premature infants. Indeed, many mothers, physicians and other health professionals recognise this, however, many women still experience a variety of breastfeeding problems resulting in low percentages exclusively breastfeeding at six months postpartum, which is the current recommended duration for exclusive breastfeeding. Unfortunately, these rates are even lower for those women who deliver prematurely, even though the premature infant stands to gain the most from the provision of mother’s own milk. This situation suggests that support for the breastfeeding mother (term and preterm) is currently inadequate and indicates a clear need to bridge scientific investigation of breast function and clinical application. The knowledge of the anatomy of the lactating breast is fundamental to the understanding of its function. However, the current understanding of the anatomy of the lactating breast has largely been based on research conducted over 150 years ago with little work performed since. This review will examine the most recent literature in an effort to update the current knowledge of the anatomy of the breast. These findings have provided insight in to breast function and the breastfeeding process and will ultimately allow for improved support of the breastfeeding mother. Anatomy and pregnancy