A clinician must write a short evidence-based statement for an obstetric discharge summary summarizing maternal health benefits of breastfeeding. Which statement most accurately and responsibly captures these benefits for patient counseling?

• A. Breastfeeding immediately cures preexisting maternal type 2 diabetes and obviates the need for any future screening or lifestyle interventions.
• B. Breastfeeding exclusively eliminates the risk of all chronic disease for mothers and thus should be mandated for at least two years regardless of any personal or medical barriers.
• C. Breastfeeding supports uterine involution and can reduce postpartum bleeding, and epidemiologic studies show associations between breastfeeding and lower long-term risks of type 2 diabetes and some reproductive cancers; recommend breastfeeding when feasible while acknowledging that individual circumstances matter.
• D. Breastfeeding has no maternal benefits beyond infant feeding and therefore should not be discussed with patients as part of postpartum health planning.

Answer: (C)