01/08/2025
The First Chapter of Health Begins with a Mother’s Milk
By Dr. Megha Chandra, Fetal Medicine Specialist
Breastfeeding is not just a mother’s personal choice — it is nature’s carefully designed medicine, the baby’s first shield, and the beginning of a lifelong bond between mother and child. As a fetal medicine specialist, I witness the miracle of life inside the womb — the beating heart of a 20-week-old fetus, the forming spine, the delicate movements. But I also know that the story of health doesn’t start at birth; it starts with the first drop of breast milk.
World Breastfeeding Week, observed from August 1st to 7th, is more than just an annual event. It’s a reminder — to healthcare professionals, families, workplaces, and policymakers — that breastfeeding is a fundamental part of building a healthier society. The first golden milk, called colostrum, is packed with antibodies and immune cells. It not only nourishes but protects. And no formula, however scientifically advanced, can replicate its unique composition.
Breastfeeding offers a wide range of benefits. For the baby, it provides complete nutrition, supports brain development, and strengthens the immune system. Breastfed babies are known to have lower rates of infections, allergies, obesity, asthma, and even chronic diseases later in life. For the mother, breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its original size, reduces postpartum bleeding, supports natural weight loss, and decreases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. But more than physical benefits, breastfeeding nurtures a powerful emotional connection — one that shapes early psychological development and emotional security in the child.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life. That means no water, no formula, no herbal drinks — just breast milk. After six months, appropriate complementary foods should be introduced, but breastfeeding should ideally continue up to two years or beyond, as long as mother and baby wish.
Still, as doctors, we understand that breastfeeding doesn’t come easily to everyone. Many mothers struggle — with pain, latching issues, doubts about milk supply, pressure from family, or fear of judgment. Working mothers often face additional challenges — lack of maternity leave, absence of feeding-friendly spaces, or sheer exhaustion. That’s where our healthcare system and society must step in. Support is not optional; it is essential.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme emphasizes enabling breastfeeding for working parents. It calls for better maternity protection, flexible work options, breastfeeding spaces, and onsite childcare. When we support a mother to breastfeed, we are not only investing in a child’s health — we are investing in public health, gender equality, and future generations.
In my daily practice, I often remind mothers: your milk is enough, your efforts are enough, and your love is more than enough. If you are struggling, reach out. Lactation consultants, trained nurses, support groups, and compassionate doctors are here for you. You are not alone.
Breastfeeding is not about perfection — it is about persistence, connection, and care. Every mother’s journey is different, and every drop of milk counts. Whether you breastfeed for days or years, whether you supplement or exclusively nurse, what matters is the intent, the effort, and the love behind it.
To every mother reading this — you are doing something extraordinary. And to every family member, employer, or friend — your support can make all the difference. Let us together create a world where breastfeeding is respected, supported, and celebrated.
Dr. Megha Chandra
Fetal Medicine Specialist
Desinganad Scans & Fetal Care
