The American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed its policy on breastfeeding on 27 February and on your return, along with an explanation of the well-known benefits for infants to be breastfed, the group of pediatricians also detailed the evidence health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers.

"Both short and long term health benefits accumulate in mothers who breastfeed," the statement

Benefits begin immediately after birth - women have a lower blood loss after delivery if breast-feeding. The uterus contracts to its normal size more quickly in lactating women, the report said.

The mental health of the mother also received a big boost of breastfeeding - a 2003 study from Australia showed an increase of postpartum depression in mothers who did not give the chest and in which their children weaned early

Breastfeeding also has long-term effects.

Among women who developed gestational diabetes, studies have found a risk of 4 to 12 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in each year a woman breastfeeds.

Women who breastfeed for at least 12 months over its life reduce your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 20 percent, and those who breastfeed for at least 24 months reduce their risk of developing this disease by half .

Heart disease and cancer

Another major ongoing study, the Study of Women's Health, showed how breastfeeding benefits the heart of women. The research, which included 139,000 women, found a 11 percent reduction in hypertension, a 19 percent reduction in levels of blood fats, and a total of 10 percent reduction in risk of heart disease.

Women who cumulatively breastfeed for over a year have a 28 percent lower risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends giving babies breast milk until 6 months of age and then continue with breast milk with other foods until they are at least 1 year of age.

Pass: Breastfeeding helps prevent postpartum depression, and reduce long-term risks of heart disease and cancer.