IMMUNOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF BREAST-MILK IN RELATION TO HUMAN-MILK BANKING

A review of the immunologic benefits of human milk is presented, with emphasis on the antiviral properties Of human milk. These properties are so important to infant health that the World Health organization has restated its recommendation, ''In all populations, irrespective of HIV infection rates, breast-feeding should continue to be protected, promoted, and supported.'' Infection control procedures are described for human milk banking, which should be supported as an immunologically beneficial feeding alternative for infants.