In most countries a lot of importance is given to breast feeding and is followed everywhere. Though the doctors recommend breast feeding for at least 6 months, and some women in feed their babies for as long as 3 years or even more, which I think is too long. Breast feeding is not followed vey commonly in modern Indian societies as women have to go out and work and leave their babies behind. So they follow alternatives methods to feed their babies. But there are a lot of advantages of breast feeding the child. It not only helps the child to develop a stronger immune system but also aids the child to fight infections. Breast Milk contains nutrients which are enough and essential for the baby’s growth. It is a very simple way of feeding the baby as formula milk would mean taking extra care for sterilizing the milk bottles and nipples. Plus it cheaper and readily available.

Another plus to breast feeding is that it creates a closer bonding to the mother and the child. The child feels the security of the mother's warm embrace while he feeds on her breasts.

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I think breastfeeding is still the best milk. It is not only economical but also protects the babies from getting sick because the antibodies of the mother are passed on to their babies. If a mom is working, she should be patient enough to pump her milk for her baby, store it in the fridge and then give this milk to child by the caretaker when the mom is at work.

I am a major breastfeeding advocate. I hate that my society (in the US) has sexualized the breast so much that women feel weird and uncomforable using it to feed a baby. Breasts were made to feed babies. It is easily digested, provides antibodies, more economical and EASY!

It may take a little while to get the hang of it, but I am so glad when the baby wakes up in the middle of the night that I can grab him, lay him next to me and fall back asleep as he nurses as opposed to stumbling to the kitchen, mixing a bottle of formula, heating a bottle, testing the temperature and adjusting as necessary and waiting until the baby is done eating, burp him, put him to bed... I am WAY too lazy for that. I wish more women would give it a shot!

As for pumping, I'll admit, I HATE pumping! I rarely do. My son gets up to a few bottles of formula in a day if I am gone, but he nurses any time I am around.

Bottom line, breast is best!

breastfeeding is the best source of nutrients for a newborn and a growing infant. especially the first few days when the colostrum is still there. this is the best immunization that you can give to your child. i didn't breastfeed my daughter too long, but she's very healthy and not prone to illnesses. that's why with my newborn son, i'm really making sure he's being fed from the breast even though i still feed him formula when i can't breastfeed.