ABSTRACT
The future potential of human societies largely depends on children’s optimal physical growth and psycho-social development.
For a decent start in life, meeting the nutritional needs of infants and providing adequate care in the early years is fundamental for physical, motor, cognitive, social and emotional development. At this critical stage of life, a neonate is extremely vulnerable and primarily dependant on the mother for nourishment that is provided through breastfeeding [1]. Optimal nourishment at this stage of life has not only short-term effect on growth, body composition/functions, but also long-term effect on morbidity and mortality risks in adulthood. If not managed in time, malnutrition disturbs the foundation of life, growth and development and its ill effects become virtually irreversible after 2 years of age.
