The medicinal value of breastfeeding

Examine how breastfeeding works as a preventive medicine for the mother and the offspring

- DR MUTHUSWAMY BALASUBRAMANYAM

August 1st to 7th is globally observed as World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) every year. World Breastfeeding Week is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)1, a global network of individuals and organizations concerned with the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide. WABA and breastfeeding advocates in over 175 countries worldwide celebrate the WBW with a specific theme every year; the WBW theme of this year is 'Step Up For Breastfeeding: Educate and Support'.

Despite all this awareness, it is unfortunate that what we see in reality is disheartening efforts and trends of breastfeeding. Over centuries, human milk is considered a complete nutrition package to nourish the newborn and is regarded as the nutritional gold standard for term infants. Breastfeeding has declined worldwide in recent years, as a result of urbanization, marketing of infant milk formulae and maternal employment outside the home.

A cause of worry

Studies in India have also shown a decline in breastfeeding trends. As per the international guidelines and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Policy on Infant feeding, 'an ideal infant feeding comprises exclusive breast-feeding for six months followed by sequential addition of semi-solid and solid foods to complement (not replace) breast milk till the child is gradually able to eat normal family food (around one-two year).