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some extent, but there are many other benefits of mothers milk which the formula food cannot meet. Maternal and infant bonding cannot be provided by these foods. A lot of research has been done which has ultimately proved that Breast milk is the best milk. Lack of education and awareness among the masses prevents many mothers from exclusively breast feeding their baby. In some cases the mother herself is underfed which engenders milk production in her, while in other cases the mother is not aware of the benefits of breast feed. Breast feeding is fuelled by traditional norms, and the misplaced desire on part of the mother to feed the child well. And if the mother is a working woman, she may resort to top feeds for her convenience. Awareness and education about exclusive breast feeding is the need of the hour. We should promote breast feeding and good nutrition for women in both rural and urban areas. There should be provision of flexi hours for working mothers. They should be made aware of the utility of breast pumps. Breast milk is the child's natural immunity and he should not be deprived of it. So let all women promote it, as it has many pros and no cons.
This article is part of a Citizen News Service (CNS) series in lead up to the World Pneumonia Day, 12 November 2011. The project was managed by Abhinav Bharat Foundation and funded by the 2011 Small Grants for World Pneumonia Day Advocacy Program. We are grateful to the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, GAVI Alliance, Global Alliance for Clean Stoves, and Best Shot Foundation for their support. We would like to thank all those who were interviewed as part of this project and who took the time to share their views.
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