Lactation is a key component of the reproductive cycle, yielding significant benefits for both the lactating person and the infant. Human milk contains adequate nutrients for human babies through ~6 months of age, though there are benefits to extending breastfeeding beyond a year. In modern society, many new parents discover establishing and continuing breastfeeding to be more challenging than expected, for a variety of reasons, including lack of generational experience and knowledge, insufficient inpatient and/or outpatient lactation support, lack of paid time off from work, and lack of robust data on maternal medication compatibility with breastfeeding. The lactation process may elicit significant anxiety for some individuals, especially if they experience barriers to breastfeeding and/or complications. While counseling individuals on the many physiologic changes of lactation, it is equally as crucial to provide emotional support and encouragement. Historically most publications and data on lactation have been reported using gendered language (women, breastfeeding). We encourage the most inclusive language (i.e. lactating person, chest-feeding) whenever possible.