Among other benefits,
breastfeeding: stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in the mother's body promoting bonding between mother and baby; satisfies baby's emotional needs; provides
superior nutrition; helps prevent maternal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis; helps prevent future breast cancer in infant girls; promotes higher infant IQ; helps pass baby's meconium; provides immunization against disease; is more digestible than formula; aids in mother's post-partum physical recovery; helps protect the infant from Crohn's disease, juvenile diabetes, allergies, asthma, SIDS, hemophilus b. virus, cardopulmonary distress, ulcerative colitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and other medical problems; enhances vaccine effectiveness, and is a natural contraceptive.