Srinagar, Aug 5: Marking World Breastfeeding Week, paediatric experts in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday underscored that breastfeeding remains the safest, most effective and irreplaceable source of nutrition for infants, saying no formula milk can match the health, developmental and emotional benefits of a mother's milk.
The doctors said exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is vital for healthy growth, stronger immunity and brain development, while significantly reducing the risk of infections and chronic diseases. They urged families, healthcare institutions and policymakers to create a supportive environment that enables mothers to breastfeed successfully.
Renowned paediatrician Dr Showkat Bhat described breast milk as a complete and naturally balanced food rich in antibodies, enzymes and essential nutrients.
"There is no substitute for a mother's milk. Artificial milk should only be used in exceptional medical situations. Breastfeeding protects infants against respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, ear infections and several other childhood illnesses," he said.
Dr Bhat said exclusive breastfeeding lowers infant mortality and supports healthy cognitive, emotional and physical development.
"It also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child. Research shows that breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, allergies, obesity, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and several chronic diseases later in life," he added.
Senior paediatrician Dr Bashir Ahmad, posted with the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), described breast milk as "nature's perfect food" for newborns.
"No commercially available formula can provide the biological protection and nutritional value of breast milk. It supplies all the energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals required during the first six months of life," he said.
He advised parents to introduce safe complementary foods after six months while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.
The experts also stressed that breastfeeding should continue even when a child is ill, as frequent feeding helps prevent dehydration and supports faster recovery.
They highlighted that breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for mothers as well, including faster recovery after childbirth, reduced postpartum bleeding and a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
Doctors noted that breastfeeding mothers require additional calories and calcium, but clarified that the temporary loss of bone mass during lactation is naturally restored after weaning.
The experts said breastfeeding also reduces the long-term risk of obesity, Type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders in children.
Despite these proven benefits, they expressed concern that many mothers are unable to exclusively breastfeed due to limited awareness, inadequate family support, workplace challenges and the lack of professional lactation counselling.
Citing findings from NFHS-5 and NFHS-6, they said nearly 60 per cent of infants in Jammu and Kashmir are exclusively breastfed as per World Health Organization recommendations, but only around 13 per cent receive all recommended infant and young child feeding practices, indicating significant room for improvement.
The experts called for stronger awareness campaigns, dedicated lactation counselling services in hospitals, improved maternity support, community-based counselling and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
"Breastfeeding is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. It saves lives, improves nutrition, reduces healthcare costs and builds a healthier future. Supporting every mother to breastfeed is an investment in the nation's health," they said.