World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), held in the first week of August every year, is a global campaign supported by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF and many Ministries of Health and civil society partners on the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. This initiative was started in 1992 to encourage mothers to breastfeed their children and build a support community for new mothers who face any difficulties in breastfeeding.

Why Did We Need An Awareness Week?

Gynaecologist, obstetrician and founder of Baby Soon Fertility and IVF Center, Dr Jyoti Bali with 26 years of experience says, “A reason why some mothers stopped breastfeeding was because of the increased marketing of formula as a convenient solution compared to breastfeeding.”

Experts agree that women undergo physical changes in their bodies during their pregnancy and while breastfeeding too, however, these have been exaggerated. “Breastfeeding can lead to temporary changes in breast size and shape, but these changes are typically normal and revert to baseline after weaning. Perceptions about breastfeeding causing long-term body changes are often unscientific or exaggerated,” says Dr Rao.

These were some of the reasons why women stopped breastfeeding and thus an initiative like World Breastfeeding Week was started. This also aims to highlight the health benefits to the mother and the child on breastfeeding.

Benefits of Breastfeeding on Mother

Rao says that for the mother, it helps in faster postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and can help with postpartum weight loss.

“Breast Feeding helps the mothers to shed their pregnancy weight more quickly because the production of milk requires the burning of calories,” agrees Dr Bali.

Other health benefits to mothers are postpartum healing, bonding with the baby and a decrease in the risk of ovarian cancer, mentions Dr Bali.

Breastfeeding Benefits on Baby

There are also nutritional values that help a preterm baby in his or her development. “For example, breast milk's higher protein content makes it easier for premature babies to absorb and digest than formula, which encourages better weight gain. Premature babies often have specific nutritional needs due to their early birth. Breast milk provides a tailored balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that support their rapid growth and development. The composition of breast milk adjusts to meet the changing needs of a preterm infant, including higher levels of certain nutrients,” says Dr Goel.

Dr Bali also points out that breast milk contains antibodies, probiotics and DHA and ARA, a kind of fatty acids that are required for brain development. Thus, a baby can benefit a great deal from breastfeeding.

Health Risks When Not Breastfeeding

Poor breastfeeding practices in infancy and early childhood, resulting in malnutrition, contribute to impaired cognitive and social development, poor school performance and reduced productivity in later life.

Sarwa points out that psychological factors like stress, anxiety, postpartum depression, poor latch due to anatomical issues or improper positioning, and other medical conditions are the common reasons for this. “Identification and management of the specific cause, appropriate counselling by a healthcare provider, support (emotional and workplace both) and alternative feeding options,” he says.

Unable To Breastfeed Your Child? Here is What You Can Do

Do not be worried about its safety, Dr Rao says that donated milk is screened, pasteurised, and distributed to ensure safety and nutrition.

Are You a Working Mother?

“Purchasing a superior electric breast pump can increase the effectiveness of the procedure. Maintaining a consistent pumping schedule—ideally, every three to four hours—helps keep the milk supply steady. Pumped milk can be refrigerated for up to four days if stored in sterile containers or bags that have been labelled with the date and time. Milk can be frozen and thawed for extended storage,” suggests Dr Goel.

Adolescents living with chronic skin conditions who spend more time on screens may be at greater risk of struggling with body image, self-esteem, and overall quality of life, according to a new study.

The research, published in the journal Children, found that longer daily screen time was associated with poorer dermatology-related quality of life and more likelihood of body image issues among teenagers, especially with skin issues.

The findings underscore the growing concerns about the impact of digital media on young people's mental wellbeing, particularly those already coping with visible health conditions.

Researchers analysed adolescents with chronic skin disorders and explored how screen use related to their emotional wellbeing, body image, anxiety, and life satisfaction.

They found that teens reporting greater impairment in dermatology-related quality of life also experienced significantly lower self-esteem, a more negative perception of their bodies, higher anxiety, poorer overall quality of life, and lower life satisfaction.

Those who spent more time using screens generally reported worse outcomes across these measures.

"Longer screen time was associated with poorer dermatology-related quality of life and less favourable psychosocial outcomes," the study authors wrote, suggesting that digital media habits plays a huge role in influencing adolescents wrestling with chronic skin disease.

Why Skin Conditions Make Teens More Vulnerable?

Dermatology-related quality of life refers to how much a skin condition affects a person's everyday life beyond physical symptoms.

It includes emotional wellbeing, confidence, relationships, mindset, school or work performance, and participation in social activities.

A poor dermatology-related quality of life generally indicates that a skin disease is having a greater psychological and social impact on one's mental health.

Experts say adolescence is already a period when individuals are conscious about appearance. Their skin plays a major role in shaping their self-confidence.

Conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or vitiligo can make young people more conscious of their appearance, and constant exposure to carefully curated or filtered images on social media may intensify those feelings.

The study suggests that excessive screen use, particularly social media, could pave the way for comparison in appearances, making it harder for teenagers with skin conditions to maintain a positive body image.

However, the researchers did emphasise that the findings show an association rather than proving that screen time directly causes poorer mental health.

Even though this is just an observation, it brings our focus on the broader impact of social media on young people's minds.

Also read: Why Monsoon Weather Triggers Acne: Expert Treatments That Actually Work

Screen Time And Mental Health

The findings are consistent with previous research linking excessive recreational screen time with poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction among adolescents.

Other studies have also shown that image-focused social media platforms may contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and unhealthy appearance comparisons.

Cosmeticorexia Could Fuel The Problem

Also read: Cosmeticorexia: The Dark Side Of Teenagers' Obsession With Flawless Skin

The findings come at a time when teenagers are obsessed with the idea of perfect skin.

Thanks to growing popularity of complex and elaborate skincare trends on social media, perfect skin has become the ultimate beauty goal for many teenagers.

Cosmeticorexia is an example of a psychodermatological disease, where psychological problems manifest through dermatological conditions. The constant pursuit of flawless skin can lead adolescents to adopt harmful skincare practices that ultimately damage their skin rather than improve it.

But experts are warning that this obsession is fueling a worrying condition known as cosmeticorexia, where young people use anti-aging and active skincare products far beyond what their skin needs, increasing the risk of irritation, allergies, and long-term damage.

In terms of health and nutrition, the first 1,000 days of a child's life lay the foundation for lifelong growth, and development. The first question that pops up in every parent's mind is whether they should to stick to exclusive breastfeeding or alternate it with mixed feeding.

While breastfeeding remains the most effective way to give a baby the healthiest start, there are a few myths surrounding mixed feeding that need to be debunked.

As we observe World Breastfeeding Week 2026, the theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works" reminds us that breastfeeding is one of the most important phases of health in children's lives.

Breastfeeding Vs Mixed Feeding

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Priya Bansal, Senior Consultant, Gyanaecology and Gynae Oncology, Medanta, Noida and Dr Barkha Pandey, HOD Paediatric Department, MBBS, MD Paediatric, Park Hospital, Palam Vihar about the myths surrounding breastfeeding vs mixed feeding.

Dr Priya Bansal said that when we talk about infant feeding, it's important to move away from the idea that there's a "right" or "wrong" choice for every family. She explains, "While exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is the ideal recommendation because of its well-established health benefits, the reality is that every mother's journey is different."

Explaining the benefits of breastfeeding, Dr Barkha Pandey spoke about why breast feeding is the gold standard.

Dr Barkha Pandey further added, "Exclusive breastfeeding is the best feeding practice for all healthy infants during the first six months of life. This means only breast milk—no water, formula, animal milk, or other foods unless medically indicated. Breast milk provides all essential nutrients, along with antibodies and bioactive factors that protect against infections, support brain development, and promote healthy growth.

Dr Bansal went on to explain about the times when new mothers adopt mixed feeding. Dr Pandey said that there are situations where mixed feeding is necessary, and supplementation should never be seen as failure.

Dr Bansal said, "Some women may experience delayed milk production, have underlying medical conditions, or need to return to work earlier than planned. In such situations, mixed feeding can be a practical and safe option when introduced with the right medical guidance. What concerns us more is when formula is started because of misconceptions like assuming the baby isn't getting enough milk without any medical assessment."

Also read: World Breastfeeding Week: How The First 1,000 Days Of Breastfeeding Shapes A Child's Health For Life

How Long Should You Breastfeed Your Baby?

There are many doubts about how long you should continue to breastfeed your baby. Most experts agree upon the six-month rule of breastfeeding for well-rounded development of the baby, Dr Pandey clarifies if you should keep going even after six months.

She said, "At six months, complementary foods should be introduced to meet increasing nutritional needs. However, breastfeeding should continue alongside complementary feeding until at least two years of age and beyond, for as long as mother and child wish. Even after solids begin, breast milk continues to provide nutrition, immunity, and emotional security."

Both the experts stress upon the fact that while exclusive breastfeeding is the way to go, the priority is always safe, adequate nutrition and supportive, non-judgemental care. When supplementation is needed, parents should be guided with reassurance and clinical guidance, not guilt.

“My child is a picky eater; he hardly eats anything, so should I start giving him a protein shake?” As a pediatric dietitian, I hear this question most often from parents. Be it on the attractive shelves of a supermarket or a post on social media, you will find products that promise your child will be taller, stronger, sharper, and no wonder why parents might feel the fear of missing out!!

But here’s the reassuring truth: No, most healthy children don’t need protein powders/ protein biscuits.

Before talking about this “trendy” supplement, it is important to understand why protein is important and what its functions are.

Why Is Protein Important?

Protein is called the building blocks, and rightly so cause it helps build muscles, stronger bones, good skin, hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Meaning, for good immune function, for growth and development, or be it for tissue repair, we all need protein.

However, protein is just a block of this big puzzle; we equally need good carbs and good fats along with it. In fact, good carbs, if included in balanced quantities, help protein do its job; we dietitians call it the “protein-sparing action”.

So The Question Arises: Are Children Getting Enough Protein?

Interestingly, Yes. Many of the parents assume that their child is getting less protein cause they are skipping/ refusing or eating small portions, but in reality including small portions even plays a big impact, as child requires less protein than adults and some of the rich protein sources like curd, milk, paneer, eggs, dals, lentils, soya products, lean meat, fatty fishes, nuts & dry fruits do provide good amount of protein.

Let’s take a 5-year-old for an example; A glass of milk along with nuts in the morning, a bowl of thick dal in lunch, and a serving of paneer/ curd in a regular dinner easily meet their daily requirements without any supplements.

Do Protein Powders Make The Children Taller?

No, the child drinking protein powder will not decide the baby’s height. It is influenced by several factors like genetics, overall nutrition, good sleep, regular physical activity, etc. So no direct evidence is found that suggests drinking protein powder only will help children gain height.

So What About The Child Who’s Into Sports?

Most of the time, they also DON’T need the protein powder.

Physically active children usually need more energy overall—not just more protein. A balanced diet with nutritious high-protein meals and snacks is enough for the majority of young athletes. Milk after practice, peanut butter on whole-grain bread, boiled eggs, yogurt with fruit and seeds, or homemade sprouts chaat are all excellent recovery foods.

Then Who Needs Protein Powders?

Children who have been clinically diagnosed with vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or have had some chronic illnesses or surgeries, or have some inborn errors of metabolism will need protein powder.

Are There Any Downsides To Protein Powders?

Many commercial products marketed for children contain added sugars, flavourings, or ingredients that may not be necessary. Some provide far more protein than a child actually needs, along with high sodium and trans fats. Perhaps the biggest concern is that supplements can create a false sense of security. Parents may feel they've "covered nutrition" with a scoop of powder while the child continues to miss out on the benefits of a balanced diet.

Whole foods offer much more than protein. A bowl of dal provides fiber and minerals. Eggs contain choline, which produces acetylcholine- a neurotransmitter necessary for brain development. Dairy products contribute calcium and vitamin B12. Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats like omega-3 and antioxidants. These nutrients work together in ways that a supplement simply cannot mimic.

What Can The Parents Do Instead?

• Include protein in all three major meals: include curd, paneer, 1 bowl of thick dal, a piece of chicken or egg, add flaxseed chutney as a side.
• Do not panic if the child is eating less on some days; it's okay for the appetite to fluctuate according to their moods.
• Make protein familiar and fun- make besan cheelas with different chutneys, make roti pizzas with paneer and cheese on top, make paneer paratha.
• Involve them in cooking; this reduces the chances of picky eating as they feel included in the process.
• Eat together as a family.

In conclusion, always remember that more isn’t always better; as far as the children’s requirements are concerned, they can definitely be fulfilled by adding good, mindful protein options in day-to-day meals. As parents, it's natural to want the very best for your child. The good news is that the best nutrition doesn't usually come from a jar—it comes from a colourful plate, shared family meals, and healthy eating habits built over time.

But remember the simple rule: natural food first, supplements only when they are medically needed.

(By Payoshini Kulkarni, Nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune)