World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated every year, is a reminder of one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to improve the health of mothers and children. Breastfeeding is often seen as a personal choice or a family practice, but its importance goes much beyond that. It is one of the earliest investments we can make in a child's health, with benefits that extend well beyond infancy.

In India, national surveys over the last decade show that exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months has remained in the range of about 55-65 per cent. Behind these numbers is an important question: what prevents mothers from sustaining breastfeeding when they want to? Answering that question is just as important as measuring breastfeeding rates. This means that while many mothers are successfully breastfeeding their babies, there is still room to ensure that every mother who wishes to breastfeed receives the right support and encouragement.

Science has strengthened our understanding of why breastfeeding matters. Breast milk is uniquely designed for a growing baby. It not only provides all the nutrients an infant needs during the first six months of life, but also contains several protective factors that help the baby's developing immune system. Over the years, research has consistently shown that breastfed children are less likely to suffer from common infections in early life. Breastfeeding also supports healthy growth and brain development, and may help reduce the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases later in life. This evidence makes one point clear: breastfeeding is not simply a matter of personal preference; it is an important public-health intervention whose benefits extend well beyond the first months of life.

Interestingly, the benefits are not limited to children. Mothers who breastfeed also benefit from better recovery after childbirth and a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers. At a broader level, healthier mothers and healthier children mean lower healthcare costs and a healthier society. Few health interventions offer such wide-ranging benefits for both generations.

At the same time, breastfeeding should never be seen as the responsibility of the mother alone. It is most successful when mothers receive timely guidance from healthcare providers and support from their families, workplaces and communities. Creating such an enabling environment is just as important as creating awareness.

India has shown strong commitment for supporting breastfeeding through national initiatives such as MAA (Mother's Absolute Affection) and by integration of breastfeeding counselling into maternal and child health services. Building on this, we now need to ensure that every mother receives timely, evidence-based guidance and practical support through pregnancy and early months after childbirth.

While breastfeeding has been practised for generations, science continues to answer new questions. Researchers today are studying how breast milk influences the infant gut microbiome, how maternal nutrition affects milk composition, and how early feeding practices shape health later in life. Such research helps refine recommendations and ensures that national policies remain based on the best available evidence.

Research supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has contributed to strengthening the evidence base on breastfeeding and newborn care in India. These studies have evaluated a range of interventions, including breastfeeding counselling and Kangaroo Mother Care, and have helped inform clinical practice and national efforts to promote optimal infant feeding. This evidence base is particularly relevant for India, where research can help translate global understanding into locally appropriate health practice.

More recently, an ICMR-supported systematic review and meta-analysis found that exclusive breastfeeding was associated with significantly lower odds of hospitalisation due to respiratory infections, particularly during the first year of life, further reinforcing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for improving child health outcomes. Evidence such as this strengthens the case for moving beyond awareness campaigns towards systems that make evidence-based breastfeeding support a routine part of maternal and child healthcare.

As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, the message is straightforward. Breastfeeding is one of the best starts a child can receive, but mothers should not be expected to do it alone. They deserve accurate information, practical support and an environment that makes breastfeeding easier. That is an investment worth making, for every family and for the nation at large.

Views expressed are personal. Both writers are Scientists at ICMR, New Delhi