Human Milk Feeding as a Complex System

Book excerpt: The exploding science of human milk, lactation, breastfeeding and human milk feeding has brought us to our current understanding that we are studying a complex system operating at multiple levels: molecular, cellular, physiological, immunological, nutritional, ontological and socio-behavioral and techno-political. Modern research in this field is responding to new scientific questions and emerging policy needs that can leverage technological innovations and sophisticated multidisciplinary approaches. The International Society for the Study of Human Milk and Lactation 2022 international conference brings together professionals from research disciplines (such as anthropology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, maternal and child health and nutrition, physiology, toxicology), health care professionals (such as medical doctors, nurses, midwifes, dieticians, breastfeeding consultants), policy makers and commercial entities that promote, protect and support breastfeeding.