Nagpur: As we observe World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7), it’s important to pause and recognize one of the most natural, yet powerful, acts of motherhood — breastfeeding.

Motherhood is a beautiful journey but its not all rosy and perfect always.

I often tell my new mothers, “You don’t need to be perfect, just be present.” And breastfeeding is exactly that — a mother’s presence, nourishment, warmth, and protection all in one.

Why Breastfeeding is More Than Just Milk

Breast milk is not just food — it is a complete meal custom-made by nature. It contains the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies that protect your baby from infections, allergies, and even chronic diseases later in life. It helps develop the baby’s immune system, gut health, and brain.

But more than that, breastfeeding builds a deep emotional bond between mother and child — one that speaks the language of skin-to-skin touch, eye contact, and love.

What’s in it for the Mother?

Many are surprised to know that breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother. It helps the uterus shrink back to normal, reduces postpartum bleeding, and even lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. It burns calories too, which helps in shedding pregnancy weight naturally.

Perhaps most importantly, it gives a mother confidence — that she can nurture and nourish her child all by herself.

But What If It’s Difficult?

New mothers should be aware that breast feeding should not be painful, it should be comfortable for both the mother and the baby. Correct position of the baby and the mother, properlatching by the baby, frequency of feeding all should be taken care of. In case of difficulty in achieving any of the above help can be taken from a breast-feeding counsellor or your gynaecologist. Redness or swelling over breast, crackednipples, hardening of breasts, fever etc should not be neglected and a gynaecolost should be consulted as they could be signs of breast abscess. 

Breastfeeding is natural, but not always easy. And that’s where support matters — from doctors, lactation counsellors, family members, and workplaces. No mother should feel judged or alone in this journey.

How Long Should I Breastfeed?

The World Health Organization recommends:

• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months — no water, no formula, no solids.

• Continue breastfeeding along with other foods up to 2 years or more, as long as both mother and child are comfortable.

Remember, every drop counts. Even a few weeks of breastfeeding gives your baby lifelong benefits.

How Can Society Help?

Breastfeeding should not be a private struggle — it should be a public priority. Here’s what we can do:

• Be more supportive as a society.

• Encourage mothers, not embarrass them.

• Provide clean, safe spaces in workplaces, hospitals, malls for feeding.

To every mother reading this — you are doing better than you think. Whether you breastfeed for a week, six months, or two years — what matters is the love and effort you put in.

This Breastfeeding Week, let’s remind ourselves: breastfeeding is not just a choice — it’s a right, a responsibility, and a beautiful beginning.