Human breastmilk is recognized as the optimal feeding for all infants because of its proven health benefits to infants and their mothers. All clinical bodies and associated guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for infants for the first six months of life. Breastfeeding has myriads of direct and long-term benefits to an infant. Direct benefits like improved gastrointestinal function, immunity to infection (as breast milk contains antimicrobial components), less allergic incidence etc.
are evident and well acknowledged. Besides, several long-term benefit of breastfeeding such as enhanced protection from some acute and chronic illness like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, obesity, cognitive and psychological impairment etc. is indicated in some studies. The long-term benefit of human milk on specific chronic diseases and neurodevelopment is uncertain as data are often…
