On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, Jaano Junction spoke to Dr. Vivek Ranjan, Senior Consultant, Pediatrics Department, Jay Prabha Medanta Super Speciality Hospital, Patna. In this exclusive conversation he shares his insights drawn from over 15 years in the field, on breastfeeding, common myths, and his journey as a pediatrician.
Q: What is your current position in Medanta, and how long have you been practicing as a pediatrician?
I am right now a Senior Consultant, and it's like three years to serve the Medanta. I’ve been serving here for the past three years. Before this, I was working at AIIMS and Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi. My post-graduation was from St. Stephen's Hospital, in Delhi. So it's like more than 15 years to enjoy my pediatric life.
Q: What is the best and worst part of being a pediatrician?
The best part? Hands down, it’s the smile on a child’s face after they recover from a severe infection. That innocent smile, and the look of relief on the parents’ faces—that’s priceless. It brings real peace. Innocent smiles are the best. Nothing can be paid for that. Nothing can replace that.
On the other hand, the worst thing is that many of the cases are still not curable, like certain metabolic disorders. We know all the things, but we can't do anything. We feel very hopeless. That’s painful.
Q: Since it’s World Breastfeeding Week, why is breastfeeding important for children?
Breastfeeding isn't just about nutrition. It protects against non-communicable diseases—obesity, diabetes type 1, lymphoma, leukemia, allergic manifestations in the gut. It gives nutrition to the child, but in the coming time, it also prevents other things related to immunity. It can prevent, it can promote, it can also benefit the mother.
Q: How does breastfeeding help the mother?
It helps reduce postpartum hemorrhage right after delivery. It lowers the risk of post-delivery depression, helps the mother return to her pre-pregnancy weight, and even reduces the chances of breast and ovarian cancer. So yes, it’s a win-win for both mother and baby.
Q: As a male pediatrician, do you ever find mothers hesitate to talk about breastfeeding? How do you build trust?
Honestly, not much these days. But yes, sometimes if there’s hesitation, the mother’s parents or local guardians step in. The main thing is explaining the benefits clearly like you will always have loose motions due to bottle feeding. You can't clean the baby. So they can understand.—once they understand how important breastfeeding is, they’re usually willing to listen and follow through.
Q: Is it true that breastfeeding always comes naturally to mothers? Can mothers still breastfeed if they are sick?
No, it doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and that’s okay. There can be challenges. But yes, even if the mother has a mild illness like fever, she can still breastfeed. The infection won’t pass through the milk, it’s mostly contact through sneezing or coughing that might spread it. But breastfeeding is not a problem.
Q: Can women with small breasts produce enough milk?
There are a lot of myths that small breasts cannot produce enough milk. But there is nothing like that. Whether it is small or large, milk comes. Let’s say one mother has two babies—one 3 kg and one premature, 1 kg. Breast is the same, but both babies will get the amount they need. Breast milk is like tailored milk for the baby. For the premature baby, the milk has high protein content. This is the beauty of breast milk. This is the gift of God.
Q: Does breastfeeding enhance the IQ of children?
Yes. It was researched many times. It is more than 8 to 10 IQ points in breastfeeding babies compared to formula-fed babies or cow milk babies.
Q: If a mother is unable to breastfeed for the first six months, what should be given instead?
If the mother can’t breastfeed, formula milk is the better alternative—not cow milk. Cow milk has too much protein and calcium for infants. But if the mother can express her breast milk, that’s even better. Latching issues are common, but milk can still be given through other safe methods. There are many mothers who are unable to produce milk,there is no such disease. If the baby is theirs and the baby is attached, then breast milk should be given.
Q: Sometimes if a mother can’t feed, someone else in the family breastfeeds the baby. Is this safe?
That’s a tricky area. Medically, it’s a controversial subject. Some support it, while others warn of legal and infection-related risks. So I’d say it’s better to approach that on a case-by-case basis with proper medical guidance.
Q: Is there enough awareness about breastfeeding in government setups compared to private clinics?
We promote breastfeeding everywhere—in government and in private. In fact, it should be done. Breastfeeding is being promoted, especially in India.
Q: Should parents meet the pediatrician during the breastfeeding phase only if there is a problem? Or are routine visits also needed?
Routine visits are definitely helpful. Sometimes there are issues like nipple soreness or breast abscesses that mothers ignore. Regular consultations help catch these early and provide the right support.
Q: Do you have any memorable experience with any child or parent that stayed with you?
There have been many, but one thing that always sticks with me is when mothers are wrongly advised not to breastfeed. There was a case where the baby had mild jaundice, and the family was told to stop breastfeeding. But in reality, breastfeeding helps flush out jaundice faster. We counselled the mother, she continued exclusive breastfeeding, and the child recovered beautifully. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.
Dr. Vivek Ranjan describes breastfeeding as a natural gift—one of the most powerful ways to build a healthy future for both mother and child. It offers protection, prevents disease, and creates a deep emotional bond. As World Breastfeeding Week reminds us, both medical and emotional support are essential to help mothers feel confident and empowered. For Dr. Ranjan, the innocent smile of a healthy baby and the peace on a parent’s face—is the greatest reward a pediatrician can receive.
