Examine the reasons why breastfeeding is important and the role of the midwife in promoting breastfeeding and facilitating informed choice.

Breastfeeding is a unique gift that every mother, with few exceptions, can give to her newborn child. A breastfed infant is one who has received breast milk either direct from the breast or expressed and from a bottle or other feeding device.  Exclusive breastfeeding is when the infant has received only breast milk from his/her mother or a wet nurse, or expressed breast milk and no other liquids, or solids with the exception of drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, mineral supplements, or medicines. Predominant breastfeeding is when most of the babys feeds are at the breast but he also receives small amounts of water or water based drinks….(short extract)