Child Development and Public Health
Child development and public health are two aspects that are interrelated.  Public health measures the impact of children’s development all across the world, in relations to; access to healthy water, nutrition/malnutrition, immunization, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), breastfeeding, mental health of mothers, fathers, families in general and others among those.  
Breastfeeding is universal and its practice around the world. Thankfully for our fore-mothers successfully breastfeeding their babies for millennia.  Breast milk is sterile, always at body temperature, and rich in many nutrients for brain and body (Wambach & Riordan, 2014; Drover et al., 2009).  Formula is preferable in some cases such as, mother is HIV-positive, uses addictive or toxic drugs.  Even then breast feeding is still recommended. Doctors worldwide recommend breastfeeding the first few months without adding additional food or liquids.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
For the Baby
Balance of nutrition (fat, protein, etc.) adjusts to age of baby
Breast milk has micronutrients not found in formula
Less infant illness, including allergies, ear infections, stomach upsets
Less childhood asthma
Better childhood vision
Less adult illness, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease
Protection against many childhood diseases, since breast milk contains antibodies from the mother
Stronger jaws, fewer cavities, advanced breathing reflexes (less SIDS)
Higher IQ, less likely to drop out of school, more likely to attend college
Later puberty, fewer teenage pregnancies
Less likely to become obese or hypertensive by age 12
Less infant illness, including allergies, ear infections, stomach upsets
Less childhood asthma
Better childhood vision
Less adult illness, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease
For the Mother
Easier bonding with baby
Reduced risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis
Natural contraception (with exclusive breastfeeding, for several months)
Pleasure of breast stimulation
Satisfaction of meeting infant’s basic need
No formula to prepare; no sterilization
Easier travel with the baby
For the Family
Increased survival of other children (because of spacing of births)
Increased family income (because formula and medical care are expensive)
Less stress on father, especially at night

Sources: Beilin & Huang, 2008; Riordan & Wambach, 2009; Schanler, 2011; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011.

BreastFeeding in India
“India is supposed to be a “breastfeeding nation” but breastfeeding rates in the country do not support this claim. Only about 44% of babies – that is 12 million out of 26 million – begin breastfeeding within one hour of their birth, according to national data sources. The majority are given formula milk, either powdered or liquid, or animal milk.”
“We are faced with a cultural conundrum—in modern India, women are expected to be modestly dressed, which largely means covering up most of the body. Baring a breast, even if to feed a baby, is viewed as a brazen act. We are also a culture that blames its victims: women are held responsible for all the atrocities committed against them, regardless of how they are dressed.”

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