Breast feeding practice is followed everywhere in India, except among higher socio- economic groups, who tend to look for alternatives to breast-feeding. Ignorance of the advantages of breast-feeding and the proper method often leads to discontinuation in most cases.Researchers from the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston found that breastfeeding has health benefits it lowers the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and in addition it lowers the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer.Researchers used the investigated the contribution of women's hormonal factors on the subsequent development of arthritis.Women who breastfed for a total of 12 to 23 months during their lifetime had a 30 per cent reduction in the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, and those who breastfed for at least 24 months had a 50 per cent reduction in risk.

There is no doubt that breast milk is the best milk for babies. Not only does it provide maximum emotional satisfaction to both the mother and the child creating a bond between the two, it also has the following advantages:

	It is a wholesome food with protein, sugar, fat and vitamins that the baby needs.
	It helps protect the baby against certain diseases and infections like diarrhoea and allergies.
	It is easier for babies to digest than buffalo or formula milk. Even premature babies digest it with ease.
	It is cost-effective, does not need to be prepared and is in ample supply. Bottles need not be cleaned and there are no worries about the correct temperature.
	Breast feeding makes the mother burn more calories and helps her get back to her pre-pregnancy weight more quickly.
	Breast feeding delays the return of the menstrual period, and so pregnancy is unlikely although this is not a foolproof method of contraception.
	It reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer in women. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breast feeding should be done for as long as possible, 1 year or even longer.

	The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth, without the stimulation of breast-feeding.
	The immunity factors in breast milk can help the body fight off infections.
	Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which aid the baby’s digestion.
	Breast and formula feeding can be used together.

	The mother should sit in a comfortable position, hold the baby in her arms and offer the baby her whole breast & not just the nipple.
	The baby should be fed from a different breast each time so that both breasts produce the maximum amount of milk.
	The baby should be fed, whenever she is hungry. Before offering the second breast to the baby, it should be ensured that the baby sucks the fat rich hind milk from the first breast.
	A daily bath is sufficient to keep the breasts clean.
	Frequent cleaning with soap removes the natural oils from the breasts, predisposing the nipples to develop fissures.
	Burping the baby after every feed by holding her against the shoulder is advisable.
	A mother who is feeding her baby should eat healthy foods to keep up her strength & feed the baby letter.
	At times the breasts may feel hot, heavy and hard, due to accumulation of milk.
	The mother should be encouraged to let the baby continue to suck for as long as possible.
	If still enough milk is not removed, the milk should be squeezed out in a clear (preferably) boiled cup using the thumb and the finger.
	A warm compress on the breast or a warm bath is also helpful.
	It the baby is fed frequently both during the day and night this condition is uncommon.
	If nipples are cracked and painful, the mother is advised to leave a drop of hind milk on, the nipple after feeding as this helps in healing. Malai can also be can applied.