There can be no doubt that a mother’s breast milk is the best food for the newborn. It provides high quality nutrition and defense mechanism which protects the baby. Breast fed infants have lower rates of hospital admissions, ear infections, diarrhoea, rashes, allergies, and other medical problems than bottle-fed babies. Health experts say increased breast-feeding rates would save consumers money, spent both on infant formula and in health-care. It could save lives as well. Global evidence clearly shows that breast-fed babies are healthier and have fewer infections than formula-fed babies.
The primary benefit of breast milk is nutritional. Human milk contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for human digestion, brain development, and growth. Human milk contains at least 100 ingredients not found in formula. No babies are allergic to their mother's milk, although they may have a reaction to something the mother eats. If she eliminates it from her diet, the problem resolves itself.
Fewer illnesses
Breast-fed babies have fewer illnesses because human milk transfers to the infant a mother's antibodies to disease. About 80 percent of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi and viruses.. Human milk straight from the breast is always sterile, never contaminated by polluted water or dirty bottles, which can also lead to diarrhoea in the infant. 
Breast feeding is mandatory for the first year of life and is optional after that for the second year of life. Solid baby food can be supplemented after 6 months and regular family diet can be introduced by one year of life. Mother should start feeding  the baby immediately at birth (even after a caesarean section) every two hours by the clock for ten minutes at each breast. This is immensely important for bonding and for establishing lactation( synthesis and secretion of milk) due to the suckling reflex. The infant should be properly positioned with proper latching onto the breast. Eventually, a feeding on demand pattern can be followed. Nursing is more than  a way to feed a baby; it's a source of warmth and comfort. The baby can be weaned off the breast during the second year once age appropriate family diet is being taken.
Certain myths regarding breast feeding need to be addressed;
Not enough milk for the baby during the first few days after birth :  A common misconception. In fact, quite often there is more than enough, but the baby takes some time to develop reflexes for latching on and suckling. The secretion during the first few days is serous (light yellowish fluid), rather than milky white. It is important to feed this colustrum for two important reasons: firstly this fluid is high in immunoglobulins and will provide strong protection against infections. Secondly, suckling the baby at both the breasts during the first few days is important for establishing the let down reflex for lactation (synthesis, secretion and feeding of milk).
Breast feeding should be stopped if mother is on medication: Never stop feeding unless advised by the doctor.Very few drugs are contraindicated during lactation (anticancer drugs, lithium, radioactive drugs etc.)
Mother should stop feeding if baby has vomiting or diarrhoea : Not correct! Breast feeding should be continued. This will provide hydration, nutrition and natural immunity.
Mother should avoid feeding if she has respiratory infections, fever or rash: It is pointless to stop feeding because she would have already transmitted the infection by the time she manifests the symptoms. Breast milk will help the baby to fight better against the infection as the mother will transfer the specific immunity factors along with the infection.
A woman who is an open case of tuberculosis needs to wear a mask while nursing. An exception to this rule is an HIV positive mother who should not breast feed her baby as the chance of viral transmission  is high.

The author is a doctor at the Manipal Speciality Hospital and can be contacted at     080-28608888.