New Delhi, July 31 -- The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) will observe World Breastfeeding Week 2026 from August 1 to 7 across the country to raise awareness among families, communities and healthcare providers about the importance of breastfeeding for child and maternal health.

The Ministry said breastfeeding is among the most effective interventions for child survival, healthy growth and cognitive development. It urged families to ensure that every newborn receives breast milk within the first hour after birth, also known as the "Golden Hour."

The Ministry highlighted that colostrum, the first milk produced after childbirth, is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients and should not be discarded. It described colostrum...