You get to think about your baby with no interruptions. Pumping, or letdowns in general, release hormones which are proven stress combaters. You will be more relaxed and able to handle the day's stresses than bottlefeeding moms. There is a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that you are still providing nourishment while apart from your baby. It really helps ease some of the normal pangs of guilt at mother-baby separation.
Some women enjoy pumping so much they continue till their children are two or more.
Often women discontinue pumping as baby learns to eat more foods and can take water or other liquids with meals. An older baby does not need to be supplemented with a milk product as long as mother nurses 3 or more times per day according to some nutritionists.