Medical research has shown that newborns who are breastfed run a lower risk of getting many chronic illnesses later on in life. Hence the older generation should re-think and encourage their daughters and daughters-in-laws to nurture their descendants in the best possible way.

Everyone of us can play a part in breastfeeding. We can spread the news of the goodness of breast milk to people who do not have the advantage of acquiring the latest information. When we come across a mother nursing her baby in public, we can give her a smile of admiration instead of showing her to the nearest nursing room.

We should stop thinking of women’s breasts as mere sex objects. Women who are afraid that breastfeeding can affect their figure and image ought to find out the truth instead of blindly believing in myths.

If everyone starts to see breastfeeding in a different light, more mothers will be encouraged to breastfeed. In our fast developing country, we may forget the basics of good parenting.

We want the best for our children but in our eagerness, we may forget that money and substitutes are not enough. Children need the time, love and care of their parents. What better way to bond with the baby than through breastfeeding.

Chan Lilian, Penang