1Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
*Corresponding author email id: harshabattery@gmail.com
Breastfeeding (BF) can prevent 13% of all deaths of children under five. It could reduce one third of respiratory infections and about half of all diarrhea episodes in low and middle income countries. The Lancet says children who are breastfed longer have higher intelligence than those who are breastfed for shorter periods[1,2,3]. BF provides 7% protection against breast cancer[3]. Incidence of allergies, infection and diarrhea are more prevalent in bottle fed infants. Gripe water (GW) administration is a common practice and hinders exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), may cause vomiting and constipation. There is lack of data on use of appetite improving drugs in normal young children. It is essential to protect, promote and support breastfeeding for the achievement of many of the newly launched Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 [1,2].
Breastfeeding, Formula feeding, Gripe water, Picky eating, Harmful practices
