Srinagar, Aug. 6 -- Every year, World Breastfeeding Week reminds us of one of the simplest and most powerful ways to give every child the best possible start in life. It highlights the importance to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, feeding babies only breast milk for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until the age of two years or beyond. This year's theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," highlights the need to promote, and support breastfeeding as a cornerstone of child survival, maternal health, and sustainable development.

Breastfeeding is often described as nature's first vaccine, but it is much more than that. It provides ideal ...