INTRODUCTION: A good maternal diet is important for a successful pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding significantly reduces mortality from acute respiratory infection and diarrhea, the two leading causes of child death, as well as from other infectious diseases. Breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed all infants. It is an unsurpassed way of providing ideal nutrition for the healthy growth and development of infants. PROCEDURES: While writing this thesis, I used Google Schoolar search engine as well as books and journals dealing with topics about breastfeeding. Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Embasa, ResearchGate and Hrčak were the scientific databases used to search the literature. OVERVIEW: Breastfeeding and breast milk are the gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition.. Human milk is the first and optimal feeding option for the growth and healthy development of newborns and infants. Human milk, in addition to nutritive components, is a source of biologically active molecules, i.e. immunoglobulins, growth factors, hormones, cytokines, acute phase proteins, antiviral and antibacterial proteins. Breast milk contributes to the child's health, growth and development due to the unique composition of macro and micronutrients, digestive enzymes, hormones, anti-inflammatory substances, growth modulators and prebiotics such as bifidus factors that enhance gastrointestinal tract maturation and stimulate bifidobacteria growth. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding is an unsurpassed way of providing ideal nutrition for the healthy growth and development of infants. Breastfeeding and breast milk are the gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition. Education and promotion of breastfeeding have a positive effect on both mothers and newborns.