What are the real benefits to breastfeeding?

Just to add on.. Benefits for the baby: - Provides complete nutrition that a baby needs for the first 6 months of his/her life - Helps reduces the risk of infections (colostrum is rich in antibodies and could help baby fight against infections) - Provide comfort and security for baby as he/she nurse at breast Benefits for the mother: - Convenience (in the form of no need to clean bottles, warm milk) - Cost saving (as compared to buying formula) - Recovery of womb, aided by the suckling of baby which reduces the likelihood of severe bleeding and helps speeds up contraction of the womb to pre-pregnancy size - Reduces risk of breast cancer - Helps to expend calories and promote losing of weight gained during pregnancy (if a balanced diet is followed post partum)