HYDERABAD: "Breast milk is the most natural and perfect food for normal growth and healthy development of infants," senior research officer at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad K. Damayanthi has said.Speaking on the occasion of the world breastfeeding week here on Friday, she said it is a commonly known fact that breastfeeding not only strengthens the infant's immune system, but also promotes the mother-child bonding.Despite this, only 46 per cent of Indian mothers breastfeed their babies during the first six months, according to a survey conducted by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), she said.The government has, therefore, started the breastfeeding week with an objective to spread awareness among the mothers about its importance and benefits.Damayanthi also elaborated on the issue of breastfeeding and HIV infected mothers. HIV may be transmitted from mother to infant through breast milk. However, women with insufficient resources may not have access to safe, hygienic and affordable replacement feeding options.When replacement feeding is not feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first four months followed by weaning and then complete stoppage in order to restrict transmission. NIN has recently released a book on ‘Dietary Guidelines for Indians’ with special attention to new mothers and the practice of breastfeeding.The book gives insights into maternal nutrition and its effects on breast milk. It has been proved that severe maternal malnutrition can affect the fat and vitamin content of the breast milk.
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