What is not stressed In the modern western literature on human breast feeding of the baby Is the establishment of the spiritual link between the mother and the child. This has far reaching importance to family attachment and unity not only throughout life but extends Into the successive generations. The family Is the very basic unit and nucleus of the society. The sages, such as Confucius, pointed it out, later to be confirmed by the social scientists

What Is happening in the Western way of life Is the degeneration of the family and the erosion of filial piety, a factor attributed by the wise to the severance of the various links with the parents. This link should start early in life, In fact, right from birth That Is where the mother comes in with breast feeding. The psychological factors In this bond has been well documented.

Pyslcally there are many practical advantages of breast feeding. The mother's milk Is designed and fit for the human baby; it ha* the right formula. It 1* fresh, portable, pre-warmed, germ-free, and needs no separate container (may be full of germs) to be served. This close

A Mawaz

physical contact between the baby and the mother is essential for the feeling of security by the child for normal mental growth and development. The medical profession can point out the medical benefits of this natural product. »uch a* the presence of various kinds of 'medicine*' (antibiotics, and other preventive agents) which the baby need* after coming into this world.

An audio-visual campaign may be mounted not only for the rural women, but also for the working women tn the cities. In fact, the village mothers have to fall back on breast feeding as tong as possible due to the average low standard of living.

Sociologically we find that the Bengali family tie* are very strong. The reason to not merely due to the economic Inability to move the family to the place of work The deep Inner urged to visit the family members living far away may be due to the cu« tom of breast feeding so widely prevalent tn our »oc1ety, and In the developing countries.

The main economic problem to the lack of abundant supply of fresh local cow's milk at a cheap price, needed after the weaning stage of the child. It to heartening to note that our Prime Minister Is taking personal Interest in the rapid development of the dairy Industry based on rural economics.

Breast feeding Is a big problem In the Industrialized countries where the female labour force Is lured out of the home and utilized to the maximum for the rapid economic development of the country. But at what a tremendous cost to the future generation I At least the Japanese mother to more sen sible. She stops working outside temporarily to bring up the babies. and resume* work when the children are grown up.

It Is a false notion Io believe that a woman at home to idly passing her time. In fact she 1* over-worked as a mother, housewife, and wife.

She should be recognized for her Invaluable contribution to the extremely important task of looking after the development of the future generation The future of the country first depends on her, and then on the politician* ad others.