There is increasing evidence that breastfeeding has long term beneficial effects on the infant. The most important are improved cognitive development, reduced incidence of immune related diseases (e.g. Type-1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease), and childhood cancers. A reduced risk of breast cancer in the mother is another important benefit.

Schack-Nielsen L, Larnkjaer A, Michaelsen KF.
Department of Human Nutrition, The Royal Veterinary and Agric University, Denmark.

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2005;569:16-23.