Breastfeeding Research Articles

Association of healthy eating index (HEI), alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) with antioxidant capacity of maternal breast milk and infant’s urine: a cross-sectional study

Maternal dietary quality may alter the nutrient content of breast milk. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the healthy eating index (HEI) and alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) of a breastfeeding mother’s diet with the antioxidant profile of her breast milk and her infant’s urine. This study included 300 healthy mother-infant pairs. The participants’ dietary intake was estimated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The diet quality of participants was assessed using the HEI and AHEI. The total antioxidant content of the breast milk and infant’s urine was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and Thiol quantification assays. After adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of a low malondialdehyde (MDA) content of breast milk were significantly higher in the highest quartile of HEI than in the lowest quartile. The odds of low DPPH and FRAP in infant urine decreased in the highest quartile of HEI compared to the lowest quartile. No significant relationship was found between AHEI and antioxidant levels of breast milk and the infant’s urine. Our findings demonstrate that a high quality diet of breastfeeding mothers, identified by a higher HEI, can affect the oxidant-antioxidant balance of a mother’s breast milk and her infant’s urine.

Part II: Enhancing Breastfeeding Experience and Self-Efficacy in Opioid-Dependent Breastfeeding Mothers—Results From the PeriWell Intervention

Objective:The PeriWell project integrates the Positive Direction Model and the Tri-Core Breastfeeding Model into a virtual support program tailored to peripartum mothers in substance use recovery. PeriWell addresses the unique challenges this population faces by offering tailored, wraparound support. This manuscript, part of a two-part series, highlights the project’s outcomes, demonstrating significant implications for maternal health practices by fostering an environment of empowerment and lactation wraparound support.Methods:This longitudinal quality improvement (QI) project spanned 24 months (2019–2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It involved 15 peripartum mothers in substance use recovery engaging in a virtual, single-site program. The project was approved as a QI initiative by the Institutional Review Board (IRB reference 2018-19, #89), ensuring ethical adherence and participant safety. Participants provided voluntary consent and were recruited from obstetrics and gynecology offices in Upstate New York. To evaluate participants’ confidence and belief in their breastfeeding abilities, we received author permission and utilized the validated Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (Dennis & Faux, 1999; Dennis, 2010), guiding the tailored support provided.Results:Results indicated a significant increase in prenatal breastfeeding confidence correlated with the PeriWell approach (r= .782,n= 14,p< .001). Participants reported improved self-confidence in latching techniques and a greater appreciation of the time commitment required for successful breastfeeding. Correlational relationships provided valuable insight to enhance and amplify breastfeeding support. The findings advocate for the inclusion of targeted specialized interventions in maternal care to better meet the needs of expecting individuals.Conclusion:Cultivating a supportive peripartum environment is fundamental to maternal-child healthcare, and the PeriWell project demonstrated the efficacy of integrating tailored, virtual peripartum and breastfeeding support for expecting and postpartum mothers in substance use recovery. This quality improvement project improved maternal and infant health outcomes, such as breastfeeding self-efficacy, and highlighted the importance and value of specialized, wraparound lactation support for vulnerable populations. These findings underscore the need for continued innovation in maternal health services, particularly through empowerment and promoting breastfeeding success in recovery settings.

Evaluation of the effect of the father's support on the mother's breastfeeding motivation.

One of the factors affecting mothers' breastfeeding success is the father's support and the other is the mother's breastfeeding motivation. This study was conducted to determine the effect of partner breastfeeding support perceived by mothers and reported by fathers on mothers' breastfeeding motivation. The research was conducted using the face-to-face interview method with couples presenting to Family Health Centers in a city in Türkiye. The sample consisted of 114 breastfeeding women in 6 weeks to 6 months postpartum and their partners. Data were collected with a 'Personal Information Form', the 'Breastfeeding Support Scale (BSS)', the 'Breastfeeding Motivation Scale (BMS)', and the 'Partner Breastfeeding Influence Scale (PBIS)'. Participants' mean score was 119.19 ± 23.97 on the PBIS and 11.51 ± 2.94 on the BSS. A moderate-level, significant positive relationship was found between the BSS and PBIS scores of primiparous and multiparous mothers (r = 0.647; r = 0.567). A one-unit increase in fathers' breastfeeding support scores increased integrative regulation motivation scores by 0.548 units in primiparas and 0.458 units in multiparous mothers and by 0.309 units in intrinsic motivation scores and 0.351 units in external regulation-baby health motivation scores in multiparous mothers. It was found that father support affected the autonomous motivation of both primiparous and multiparous mothers at a moderate level. Perceived partner breastfeeding support affected only the autonomous motivation of multiparous mothers at a moderate level, and the types of controlled motivation, namely infant health and social approval, at a weak level.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Self-Efficacy Tool for the Ability to Support Breastfeeding Mothers.

The aim of the study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Self-Efficacy Tool for the Ability to Support Breastfeeding Mothers. In the current methodological study, research data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form and the Self-Efficacy Tool for the Ability to Support Breastfeeding Mothers. Validity analysis was conducted using the content validity index, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. The Pearson product-moment correlation and Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients were performed for reliability analysis. High scores indicate a higher ability to support breastfeeding mothers. To evaluate the tool's invariance over time, test-retest measurements were made at an interval of at least two weeks and showed no difference in mean scores (p > 0.05). Corrected item-total score correlations varied between 0.43 and 0.77. The Cronbach alpha value was determined to be 0.97, which indicated high internal consistency. The results of the present study show that the Turkish version of the Self-Efficacy Tool for the Ability to Support Breastfeeding Mothers is valid and reliable. It can be utilised as a measurement tool to determine the degree of self-efficacy in the ability to support breastfeeding mothers.

Ready-to-use therapeutic food as a promising therapy for the prevention and cure of undernutrition in pre-school children: A review

The nutritional status of pre-school children is a reflection of health of children in the world and forms the basis for the development of success-oriented interventional programs. This study indicates the prevalence of under-nutrition in under five children in the world, Africa and Nigeria. It also showed the prevalence of under-nutrition in the six geopolitical regions in Nigeria, with the Northern regions reported to have the highest burden of under-nutrition compared to the other regions due to several factors such as inadequate breast feeding, lack of access to healthcare, lack of clean water, armed conflict, inadequate dietary intake, inappropriate feeding, foetal growth restriction, inadequate sanitation, lack of parental education, large family size, incomplete vaccination, poverty and low socio-economic status and desire to have more children. Several nutritional interventions have been put in place to prevent and cure under-nutrition in pre-school children, which include Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, Micronutrient supplementation, Food fortification, Nutrition education, Complimentary feeding, and Cash transfer programs, Ready-to-use therapeutics foods (RUTF), Nutritional rehabilitation centers, Parenteral nutrition, and Nutritional counseling and education. However, RUTF has been reported to have an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in pre-school children. It is an energy dense, shelf stable and ready to eat food which composed of peanut butter, sugar, full fat milk and mineral-vitamin premix. Other plant-based ingredients such as chickpea, soybean, sesame, maize, oats, sorghum and sunflower oil have also, been used in the production of RUTF and reported to be effective for complete recovery of SAM children.

Welcoming pregnant women as a strategy for adherence to dental prenatal care and health promotion in early childhood

This research deals with implementing Dental Prenatal Care as a public policy in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) to care for pregnant women and their future babies. The legal framework that assures pregnant women's rights of priority in accessing services is usually not enough to guarantee the health promotion coverage goals for this population group, who frequently have low adherence to dental care. Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) recommends monitoring pregnant women through eight mensal consultations during healthy pregnancy. Oral health is usually not monitored to the same extent, and many pregnant women still go through pregnancy without any dental consultation. This study was proposed to improve dental prenatal care and program adherence by mothers and children in the Basic Healthcare Unit Amaro José de Souza, in the municipality of Barueri, through the increased participation of the dental surgeon in the pregnant women welcoming team. A cross-sectional cohort study was designed to identify and meet the demands of low-risk pregnant women. For six months, all the women attending prenatal care at BHU Amaro José de Souza in Barueri were invited to participate and receive personal guidance from the multi-professional team. Information on dental health was investigated through questions targeting previous knowledge about the recommended moments for the first dental appointment of a child, the importance of exclusive nasal respiration, the identification of craniofacial asymmetries at birth, and general baby care. Attitudes and self-care were also investigated, including prenatal program adherence. Answers were collected in a Google Form platform and analyzed to characterize the group's literacy about prenatal care and breastfeeding and identify information needs about dental health care during pregnancy. At the same time, a welcoming expanded listening, educational, and preventive health action was developed: conversation and sharing experience groups were promoted monthly for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and their families. 90 pregnant women out of the 104 attending the BHU in the six months of the research were invited, and 83 agreed to participate. All the participants declared at least one previous appointment with the healthcare team, 92.8 % of them, with a gynecologist. The nursing team was involved in 53.0 % of the appointments, but only 6.0 % were reported to have been conducted exclusively by a nurse. A dental surgeon appointment was mentioned by 30.1 % of the research participants. The dental health literacy investigation revealed that 57.8 % believed they should only take their babies to a dental appointment after teething, and 27.7 % were aware of the child's craniofacial asymmetries at birth. Only 28.9 % had previous knowledge about the importance of exclusive nasal respiration. Despite only 34.9 % having their first pregnancy, 78.3 % declared they would appreciate receiving information about pregnancy. After the guidance, 72.0 % of the pregnant women had undergone dental prenatal care. Workshops for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers provided a convenient welcoming space, to listen and provide guidance to pregnant women and their families, in addition to demystifying the fear of dental care during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The intervention to guide pregnant women to perceive the BHU as an educational and health promotion space, not just a curative intervention, effectively increased adherence to dental prenatal care. The contact with the Specialist in Functional Jaw Orthopedics in this first phase of life facilitated dental health education and access to more complex cases. The prenatal program adherence, the pregnant woman’s self-care, and the care of the baby were favored by the welcoming, expanded listening, and personalized service.

A Comprehensive Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Different Infant Feeding Types: The Observational Study GREEN MOTHER.

To observe and compare the environmental impacts of different types of infant feeding, considering the use of formula, infant feeding accessories, potentially increased maternal dietary intake during breastfeeding (BF) and food consumption habits. An observational cross-sectional multicentre study conducted in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area of the Catalan Institute of Health. Data were collected from 419 postpartum women on infant feeding type (formula milk and accessories), maternal dietary intake (24-h register) and food consumption habits from November 2022 to April 2023. The environmental impacts (climate change (CC), water consumption and water scarcity) of the infant feeding types and maternal diet were calculated using the IPCC, ReCiPE and AWARE indicators, respectively. The differences in impacts were calculated by Kruskal-Wallis test. Significant differences for the three environmental impacts were observed. The CC impact of formula milk and feeding accessories was 0.01 kg CO2eq for exclusive BF, 1.55 kg CO2eq for mixed feeding and 4.98 kg CO2eq for formula feeding. While BF mothers consumed an extra 238 kcal, no significant differences were found related to maternal diet across feeding types. Exclusive BF was the most sustainable type of infant feeding, considering formula and infant feeding accessories. In our study, the difference between the impacts of BF and non-BF mothers' diet was insignificant. Offer informative and educational support for midwives and other healthcare professionals on BF and a healthy, sustainable diet to transfer this knowledge to the general public. Raise the general public's awareness about BF and a healthy, sustainable diet. To reduce environmental impacts through behavioural changes. STROBE. Patients of the Catalan Health Service reviewed the content of the data collection tools. (for the whole GREEN MOTHER project): NCT05729581 (https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Accessing Trauma- and Violence-Informed Breastfeeding Support from Primary Care Providers among Women with Histories of Intimate Partner Violence: An Exploratory Interpretive Description Study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a wicked social problem affecting women of all social strata and geographical location, globally. Pregnancy may be a time of heightened risk of IPV and more deleterious outcomes. Breastfeeding - a protective factor for maternal and child well-being - may be jeopardized or more challenging for women experiencing IPV. This study explored the experiences of postpartum women with histories of IPV who sought trauma- and violence-informed breastfeeding support from primary care providers. Using interpretive description and philosophically underpinned by intersectionality, in-depth semi-structured interviews were completed at 12-weeks postpartum with five breastfeeding mothers with a history of IPV who sought breastfeeding support from a family physician clinic employing a trauma- and violence-informed (TVIC) model of care. Four themes and two sub-themes shed light onto the experience of accessing breastfeeding support for women with a history of IPV and the perceived barriers that they faced when attempting to accesses this support, including: 1) The (demoralizing) navigation of the perinatal system; 2) Fostering trust: i) "It's support, but it's also knowledge"; and ii) TVIC: feeling safe and feeling "I mattered"; 3) Informal support: partners, family, and friends; and 4) Baby in focus: overcoming challenges and building confidence. TVIC may aid in the development of trusting therapeutic relationships, in turn improving access to breastfeeding support, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding success for women who experience violence. Further research on the implementation and evaluation of TVIC for perinatal breastfeeding education and care among women is required.

Effects of gestational diabetes mellitus, parity and mode of delivery on polar lipids compositions of mature human milk

Polar lipids in human milk such as glycerophospholipids, sphingomyelin and plasmalogen play important role in growth and development of healthy infants. This work aims to investigate the effects of gestational diabetic mellitus (GDM), parity, delivery mode on the polar lipids’ compositions of human milk. A total of 56 mature human milk samples (1–6 months postpartum) were collected from breastfeeding mothers using electric breast pump from Ningbo, Zhejiang Province of China. Our results showed GDM and parity have limited effect on polar lipid content and composition. Delivery mode was found to significantly affect the polar lipids compositions in human milk with significantly higher total polar lipids in human milk of mothers who had cesarean delivery (938 nmol/mL) as compared to that of mothers who had vaginal delivery (740 nmol/mL). Discriminatory analysis shows human milk of mothers who have cesarean delivery demonstrated up-regulation of glycerophospholipids (GPL) and plasmalogen (PLG) esterified with unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) [such as plasmenyl-ethanolamine 40:5 and 36:4].

Knowledge, attitudes and support practices related to breastfeeding promotion of doctors and nurses in Motheo district, Free State province, South Africa

Background: Breastfeeding is widely acknowledged as the optimal method of infant feeding. However, the percentage of South African mothers who exclusively breastfeed remains alarmingly low. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal in promoting breastfeeding; however, a deficiency in their knowledge, negative attitudes, and unfavourable practices can impede the promotion and support of breastfeeding. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and support practices related to breastfeeding promotion of HCWs in the Motheo district, Free State province, compared with the 2016 WHO Guideline updates on HIV and infant feeding and 2018 Mother-Baby Friendly initiative guidelines. Methods: A quantitative analytical cross-sectional study involving paediatricians, obstetricians, general practitioners (GPs), and midwives was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Over half of the HCWs (59%) were able to define exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), with a significant majority of GPs (76.1%) and midwives (78.6%) recommending EBF up to six months, compared with only 10% of paediatricians and 25% of obstetricians (p < 0.001). Some 11.1% of the total group of HCWs reported that breastfeeding is contraindicated for HIV-infected mothers, while 15.4% were unsure of the recommendation for breastfeeding among HIV-infected mothers. A higher proportion of midwives, compared with other HCWs, felt highly confident in providing breastfeeding advice (p < 0.001). Additionally, more than half (56%) of HCWs had not completed the 20-hour WHO Lactation Management Training, and 55% believed their prior breastfeeding training was not sufficient to support and educate breastfeeding mothers. Conclusion: Regular breastfeeding training of HCWs on the latest breastfeeding guidelines is necessary to equip HCWs with the knowledge and competence to successfully promote, protect, and support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding trajectories for preterm infants over the first 6 months of life in England 2010–2020: surveys using large representative birth samples

BackgroundBreastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants, particularly preterm infants. Preterm infants face unique feeding challenges and these change with the birth gestation of the infant. Preterm infants’...

The Correlation of Maternal Behavior in Toddlers Breastfeeding with Wasting Prevention in Pidie

Besides children, teenagers also suffer from malnutrition due to certain factors. The development of wasting is considered related to mothers’ behavior during breastfeeding times. However, it has big impact towards the quality of breastfeeding. According to data from World Health Organization, 45.4 million children under the age of five were underweight in 2020, while the highest infant wasting rate nationally was 11.9% in several districts and cities from 33 provinces in Indonesia. Globally, 149.2 million children under the age five suffer from stunting, while its distribution of region in Indonesia is in Maluku and Aceh. Aceh is in fourth place of stunting with a percentage of 11.3% nationally. Based on the data related to wasting using the ratio of children’s weight to height, Pidie regency ranks third in Aceh as a whole with ratio of 15.3%. This study used a cross-sectional research with sample of 332 toddlers selected as the research object using Slovin formula. The sample data of this study was determined randomly and was taken from Pidie Regency Health Center which had a population of 1979 toddlers listed. SPSS 23 statistical software with Chisquare was used as a tool for data analysis. The findings of this study came from a bivariate statistical analysis test using the chisquare test at a confidence level of 95%, resulting in a p-value of 0.042 (p&lt;; 0.05). This shows that the variable of maternal knowledge has an influence in keeping toddlers from experiencing wasting. The results of the chisquare test at the 95% confidence level in the bivariate statistical analysis test with p= 0.021 (p&lt;; 0.05) showed that the maternal attitude variable had an influence on the ability of toddlers to avoid wasting. The results of the chisquare test for bivariate statistical analysis are at a confidence level of 95%: p = 0.024 (p&lt;; 0.05). Characteristics of maternal behavior and prevention of wasting have a close correlation. Mothers' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors towards wasting prevention are influenced by their breastfeeding practices. The best way to prevent wasting is to encourage mothers to breastfeed. The researchers stated that the increasing knowledge and attitudes of mothers in breastfeeding also improved their behavior, especially in terms of preventing wasting while breastfeeding. Supervision of health workers is expected to increase the knowledge and attitude of mothers and improve the prevention of wasting

Cross-disciplinary working between gynaecologists and mental healthcare professionals: a mixed-methods systematic review protocol

IntroductionReproductive hormone transitions (menstrual cycle, post partum and menopause) can trigger mental disorders in a subset of women. Gynaecological diseases, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, can also elevate...

Level of option B+PMTCT drug adherence with male partner involvement and associated factors among breastfeeding women until 18 months in North Gojjam Zone, Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: a multicentre cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdherence to option B+antiretroviral therapy medication is crucial for the effective implementation of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme. Ethiopia has adopted the WHO’s target of achieving over 95%...

Variation in NICU utilization: a narrative review and path forward.

Utilization of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) varies widely in the United States. Over recent decades, there has been a growth in NICUs, that varies by region, and has not been correlated to changes in demand or illness severity. Unnecessary NICU admissions are costly, stressful to families, may increase the risk of hospital acquired morbidities, and decrease breast feeding. Most of the variation in NICU utilization is based on the care of late preterm, early term, and term babies and is related to hospital level factors, including financial incentives, driving utilization. Improvement strategies to reduce variation include regionalization of care, certificate of need legislation, improving discharge processes, and caring for babies with some conditions such as Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome or those with risk factors for sepsis outside of the NICU.

Original theme: Problem of exclusive breastfeeding in the town of Kélo, province of Tandjile (Chad)

With the aim of evaluating the problem of breastfeeding (AME) exclusive of breast milk during the first 6 months of life, a prospective cross-sectional study was spread over a period of three months from May 10 to August 10. 2023. It involved 550 people, including 500 breastfeeding mothers of children aged 0 to 6 months and 50 health personnel. The study or investigation took place in five neighborhoods of the city of Kélo and in five urban health centers of the said city. The pre-established questionnaire sheets made it possible to collect the necessary data which were entered and analyzed using the SPSS version 25 software. The Pearson Chi-2 test was used at a threshold of 0.05 to investigate the relationship between the dependent variables and independent variables. he results showed that the average age of mothers is 32.50 and that of health personnel is 35.50. Married women number 474 or 94.8%, 49.40% are educated at the secondary level followed by 39.60% at the primary level. Almost all breastfeeding mothers are housewives, i.e. 65.80%. The proportions of mothers who practiced non-exclusive breastfeeding are 96.60% compared to 3.40% who practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Also a good proportion of mothers (26.40%) breastfed immediately after childbirth and the majority of these mothers breastfeed their children on demand (77.20%). Herbal tea and water were the main foods introduced into the infant's diet before the age of 6 months. Finally, our results showed that there is a relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and factors such as the mother's profession, the place of delivery, the sex of the child, advice on AME, knowledge of the advantages of AME and the practice of AME immediately after delivery. Knowledge of the advantages of AME must be made more available to mothers in order to improve the health of newborns and even children.

Effectiveness of Aloe Vera and Cabbage Leaf Compress on Breast Swelling Pain in Post-Partners in Bogor Barat District, Bogor City

ASEAN data in 2022 stated that 76,543 postpartum mothers experienced breast engorgement. 17.2 million postpartum mothers worldwide experience breast pain problems while breastfeeding. In Indonesia, the incidence of breastfeeding mothers experiencing breast engorgement reached the highest figure of 37.2% and 16% of working breastfeeding mothers experienced breast engorgement. Breast engorgement is interpreted as increased venous and lymph flow in the breasts to prepare for lactation. This is due to overdistension of the lactation ducts, causing breast swelling pain, and breast engorgement accompanied by an increase in body temperature. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest two-group design. The sample consisted of 30 postpartum mothers who experienced breast engorgement pain and were divided into 2 intervention groups, namely aloe vera compresses and cabbage compresses, the intervention was carried out for 14 days. The instrument used was the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using the Paired T-Test and Independent T-Test. In the Independent Sample T-Test, the p-value of the VAS scale for the aloe vera group was 0.019 &lt;0.05 with an average score of 2.0 and the VAS scale for the cabbage group was 0.037 &lt;0.05 with an average score of 1.87.

Can a mother drink coffee while breastfeeding? Awareness of the diet of breastfeeding mothers. Survey and review of the latest recommendations

Can a mother drink coffee while breastfeeding? Awareness of the diet of breastfeeding mothers. Survey and review of the latest recommendations

Nutritional Aspects of Spina Bifida Care: Optimizing Medical Management and Surgical Healing.

This review aims to highlight background of contributing factors for suboptimal nutrition in individuals with spina bifida and introduce strategies for amelioration. Recent studies demonstrate increased risk of metabolic syndrome by neurosegmental level, which is associated with truncal obesity and reduced mobility. From the neonatal intensive care stay, which may disrupt breast feeding and the developing microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract, to early childhood various insults may lead to suboptimal feeding practices, preferences and dietary intake. Family coping skills, financial stressors may lead to food insecurity and/or residence in an area with limited availability of fresh food. As children grow, weakness and challenging transfers may lead to more sedentary lifestyle and weight gain despite limited linear growth. Body habitus changes including atrophy of the lower extremities may lead to decreased muscle mass and reduced energy expenditure, with predisposition to truncal obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Does Breast Feeding Protect Mothers From Obesity?

Hepatosteatosis, which we frequently observe today with change in lifestyle, is often unnoticed, but preventable and reversible; if not prevented, it can lead to serious comorbidities. There is contradicting evidence in the literature; we believe that breastfeeding has a protective effect on hepatosteatosis. In this cross-sectional study we conducted, we aimed to examine the relationship between breastfeeding duration, metabolic parameters and fatty liver. We examined the data of 135 patients aged 20-40 years who have had at least one pregnancy and were admitted to our polyclinic. Forty-five healthcare staff who never breastfed were included in the control group. Measurements of height and weight were taken, and number of children and total breastfeeding time were questioned. Blood values were measured to calculate insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score. Consequently, there was no significant correlation between total breastfeeding time and body mass index (BMI), NAFLD fibrosis score, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) value and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). When two groups were formed as patients breastfeeding for less than six months and patients breastfeeding for more than six months, a significant difference in BMI was observed between these two groups (p: 0.02). There was a significant relationship between BMI and NAFLD (p: 0.00) and HOMA-IR (p: 0.00). It was observed that there was a significant difference between BMI FIB-4 and NAFLD fibrosis scores of the control group and breastfed group. Lactation should be maintained for at least six months for maternal health together with the baby's health, and more comprehensive studies should be conducted for long-term data.