Breastfeeding Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Breastfeeding, including details on breast feeding benefits, problems, alcohol, diet.

Sexual abuse and breastfeeding.

Klingelhafer SK

Athens/ Perry County WIC Program-Family Healthcare Inc., Family Healthcare Inc., 88 North Plains Rd. Suite 1, The Plains, OH 45780, USA. klingel@ohiohills.com

This article includes a group of case studies demonstrating the potential impact of previous sexual abuse on a woman's desire to, and ability to, breastfeed. Each case highlights a different aspect of breastfeeding promotion or support that is affected by the woman's personal history of sexual abuse. This problem is multifaceted, deeply personal, and elusive, inasmuch as it is not information easily elicited in interviews or histories. The need for compassion and sensitivity is highlighted.

Published 4 May 2007 in J Hum Lact, 23(2): 194-7.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

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