The WHO considers breast-feeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children and often describes it as a practice with lifelong health benefits. It also stated that nearly all mothers are physically able to breastfeed and can breastfeed with the right support, information and guidance. And yet fewer than four out of 10 children in the world are currently exclusively breastfed, a practice which could potentially save an estimated 220,000 infant lives annually.

The WHO guidelines states that "appropriate" breastfeeding means starting breastfeeding within the first hour of the baby's birth with skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant. "Exclusive" breastfeeding means the baby is receiving anything but breast milk (not even water) during the first 6 months of life. "Continued" breastfeeding means breastfeeding with age-appropriate foods until the child is 2 years of age or more. However, many women were discouraged from breastfeeding - or cannot manage the same. In many countries, despite the WHO guidelines, maternity leave is only up to 3 months, and pumping is not a viable option either. Also, mothers are often led to believe their children will get a better start in life and will sleep better if they are fed "nutritive" infant formula and other commercial substitutes for breast milk. The WHO says infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk. Also, the infants in developing countries are at risk from the use of unsafe water and unsterilized equipment while making formula - such risks are nullified when it comes to breast milk.

Given such rationale, it's surprising that many countries do prohibit subtle and not-so-subtle advertising. And yet more than this, it's the celebs and their famous or infamous breastfeeding comments that might sway the public more.

  • "EWW Im at lunch,the woman at the table next 2 me is breast feeding her baby w no coverup then puts baby on the table and changes her diaper," KimK once tweeted. At the barrage of insults she got, she replied, "Misunderstood tweet-The woman had her boobs out at restaurant yest feeding then laid her on table and changed her w the food there. Unsanitary". With baby North, sources claimed that breastfeeding is working for KimK and she already feels she has bonded with North.
  • Now that the little prince has arrived, Beverly Turned is said to have stated that the Britishers need for The Duchess of Cambridge to get her Royal orbs out to feed our future monarch. And to be applauded - not seethed at - for doing so!
  • "Breastfeeding has been one of the best experiences of my life. I love it! I can't stop! I think I'm going to breastfeed him until he goes to college! I'm hooked!" Shakira went OTT, so cutely, about nursing baby Milan.
  • "We all have nipples. I don't care who I offend;my baby wants to eat. If I can't get a cover over me quick enough, so be it," Selma Blair remarked.
  • In an interview, Gisele Bundchen remarked the need to have a worldwide law that mothers should breastfeed their babies for 6 months. At the backlash she got, she clarified. "My intention in making a comment about the importance of breastfeeding has nothing to do with the law. It comes from my passion and beliefs about children."

Read More: Celebrity Breastfeeding Pictures