Sociodemographic and economic changes in Spain have played a role inthe choice of infant feeding as more and more women enter theworkforce. Nevertheless, the prevalence of breast-fed-only infantsat 6 weeks remains fairly high, at 65.5% in 1999, although there isa sharp decline by 3 and 6 months postpartum. Achieving adequatenutritional status for lactation principally begins duringpregnancy, as this constitutes the biological stage for accumulatingnutrient stores. The benefits of breast-feeding for the mother andinfant are presented, along with nutrition and dietary guidelinesfor the nursing woman. Apart from dietary considerations, specialattention should be paid to encouraging a positive attitude andenvironment for breast-feeding success.
