Breastfeeding is the most nutritious, natural, economical and least contaminated food that a new mother can provide to her new-born. It is a rich source of essential amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and water, that is more than enough to sustain the newborn's needs in the first 6 months of life. It helps provide the baby with essential immunoglobulins, which provide protection from infections as well as chronic diseases. Retrospective studies have revealed that individuals who were breastfed in childhood, had better IQs.

Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of overfeeding and thereby reduces the incidence of childhood obesity. Besides the baby, it also gives several benefits to the mother. It is definitely the most convenient option for a new mother, as breastmilk doesn’t have to be prepared and stored in sterile containers. Breastfeeding also helps her get back to pre-pregnancy weight faster. It also has some natural contraceptive action, though not complete. Overall, it greatly helps mother and child bonding. Studies also reveal the women who have breastfed are at a lower risk of developing cervical cancer compared to those who have never breastfed in their lifetime. The IAP and FOGSI recommend 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, which means feeding only breastmilk to the baby for the first 6 months of its life. On average, women continue to breastfeed their children for 2-3 years. Working women can also continue to give the benefits of breastfeeds to their babies, while they’re away at work, by learning the techniques, of breastmilk pumping and storage. Manual and electric breast pumps, as well as milk storage bags and bottles, are now commercially freely available. But not every woman is able to get breastmilk that is adequate for her baby. This is the very reason that breast milk banks have been established where, women having excess breastmilk could donate some amounts, so that other babies could get the benefits of breastmilk.