NCJ Number
219170
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2007 Pages: 344-353
Date Published
July 2007
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This research review summarizes what is known to date about how being victims of violence affects women during pregnancy, after childbirth (postpartum), and in the period of breastfeeding.
Abstract
Research has found that during pregnancy and after childbirth are times when women are at high risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Past abuse can also adversely affect women's health during pregnancy and postpartum. Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, which are frequent consequences of IPV, increase the risk of pregnancy and birth complications. Breastfeeding is a major part of the postpartum experience for women. Currently, there are few studies on how abuse influences women's breastfeeding experiences; however, based on existing studies and drawing from the larger breastfeeding literature, some reasonable conclusions can be drawn. No link has been found between IPV past or present and a woman's choice to breastfeed her infant. There is some evidence, however, that stress, which is a consequence of (IPV), can delay the milk supply for breastfeeding. This may cause women to conclude falsely that they cannot produce enough milk, which can cause them to quit breastfeeding. Without proactive lactation management, these women may find it difficult to experience successful breastfeeding. There are major health implications for mothers and their babies when various complications prevent breastfeeding. 49 references