Everyone knows that breastfeeding is the most natural choice for infant feeding. Not breastfeeding is a risk factor in Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Mothers who breastfeed reduce their risk of breast cancer. Daughters who were breasted have lower rates of breast cancer. There is a lower incidence of allergies among breastfed children.
Breastfed infants have fewer infections.
References for these facts can be found here. Breastfeed your baby as soon after delivery as possible. Many hospitals will allow mother to nurse the baby immediately, which helps expel the placenta. Nursing within an hour of being born ensures that your baby's sucking instinct will be strong. Make sure you support yourself and baby with pillows in the early weeks.