Abysmal neonatal care and malnutrition are found to be overriding reasons for infant mortality in India. Statistics have shown that out of 27 million babies born in the country each year, as much as 1.2 million babies do not survive the first month. These dismal statistics can see the light of day, only if mothers and families begin to assimilate the tangible and intangible benefits of breast feeding.

Breast-feeding newborn offers a variety of health benefits. Mothers should initially seek help from a lactation specialist to make sure they know the right breast-feeding technique and also make sure that the baby is latching on properly as it ensures a successful breast-feeding. Keep count of the number of wet diapers per day as this would help to know if the baby is feeding sufficiently or not. Contact local lactation consultant for any problems with breast-feeding.

Breast milk contains about 100 components not found in formula milk. It contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids required for human digestion, development of the brain, and for growth. No baby is allergic to their mother's milk, although they may have a reaction to something the mother eats. Also, milk straight from the breast is always sterile, never contaminated by polluted water or dirty bottles, which can cause diarrhea in the infant.

Lactation Mastitis is an acute inflammation or swelling of the mammary gland that may or may not be accompanied by infection. The inflammatory condition of the breast may range from localized inflammation with minimum symptoms to collection of pus (abscess) and septicemia (bacteria in blood). If lactation mastitis is inadequately treated it may lead to severe complications.

Good Health begins with mother. There is no substitute to her milk. There are two aspects why breastfeeding is important for the mother as well as for the child. One is the nutritional aspect while the other is the psychological aspect. While the nutritional aspect is no doubt very important, that which some think can be substituted, the psychological bonding which develops between the child and the mother is unparalleled and does not have any alternative.