Enough scientific evidence is available in favour of breastfeeding as the optimal way of providing nutrition to the newborn infants and the preferred way of feeding in the sick neonates. Global and national guidelines for infant feeding recommend initiation of breastfeeding with in one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. However, it remains a challenge to implement these recommendations. There are several afactors such as traditional practices, cultural beliefs, availability of skilled support to the lactating mother, commercial influence, maternity benefits, hospital practices, infant feeding in HIV positive mothers etc. which impacts successful breastfeeding. Though a variety of published literature is available on these subjects, there is a need to have more studies. This article is an attempt to highlight some oUhese issues.
breastfeeding, breast milk, newborn research priorities
