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?

Breastfeeding immediately cures preexisting maternal type 2 diabetes and obviates the need for any future screening or lifestyle interventions.

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.

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.

Breastfeeding has no maternal benefits beyond infant feeding and therefore should not be discussed with patients as part of postpartum health planning.