Liver Disease is Lower For Women Who Breastfeed Longer

In a study that began in 1985, researchers followed nursing mothers for twenty-five years total (Reuters). They examined the mothers' fatty liver content after giving birth. They also recorded how long the mothers breastfed their babies - for less than a month, anywhere, from one to six months, or even longer than six.

These scientists were researching the potential connection between breastfeeding and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (known as NAFLD). They discovered that longer breastfeeding periods seemed to indicate a lower risk for NAFLD: "Women who breastfed babies for at least six months were 52 percent less likely to develop liver disease than mothers who nursed for less than one month," the study reported. 

More research is required to determine whether breastfeeding helps prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. But some researchers at least believe that breastfeeding for six months provides health benefits to the mom. Click here for more details.