MEDICAL experts argue that breastfeeding:

Protects the baby against serious infections

Aids better mental development

Improves mouth formation and straighter teeth.

Lessens likelihood of eczema.

Lowers the risk in mothers of pre-menopausal breast cancer.

Develops stronger bones for mothers in later life.

Provides a strong bonding between mother and child.

'Disadvantages'

Breast-feeding can be embarrassing to many mothers who do not relish the idea of feeding in public.

Breast-feeding can be very painful for some mothers in the few days.

Mothers complain about a lack of independence and always smelling of milk which can spill onto clothing.

Some argue that breast-feeding prevents a bonding between fathers and their newborn babies.