When counseling a postpartum patient with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes and ovarian cancer about infant feeding choices, which statement best communicates breastfeeding’s maternal benefits while respecting patient autonomy?

Tell the patient that maternal benefits are negligible and that recommendations about breastfeeding should be based solely on infant convenience and cultural norms rather than any potential long-term health advantages.

Advise the patient that breastfeeding guarantees complete protection against type 2 diabetes and ovarian cancer, so she must breastfeed exclusively for at least two years regardless of personal circumstance.

Recommend formula feeding exclusively because there is no evidence that breastfeeding reduces maternal risk of type 2 diabetes or cancers, and formula offers a more controllable nutritional profile for mothers with family disease history.

Explain that breastfeeding can lower long-term risk for type 2 diabetes and some cancers and also helps the uterus contract postpartum, recommend breastfeeding when feasible for its maternal and infant benefits, but acknowledge formula is a valid option when breastfeeding is not possible.