Sally wrote:
> The problem is a strange sensation -- This feeling is strong and
unpleasant enough that she can't wait
> to end the feeding, -- . ****Pumping
> causes no discomfort or bad feelings.****  The mother is determined to
> breastfeed, and wishes she could stop using the pump and just breastfeed.
> --  the back of my mind, I wonder if there could be a history of sexual
> abuse, especially because the pumping causes no problems, but
> breastfeeding gives her a sick feeling.  But then, what is the
> breastfeeding counselor's role in that situation?

 These were my thoughts, too, i.e. the possibility of childhood sexual
abuse, especially if the mother has not comes to terms with her experience,
perhaps even repressing it.  You do well to ask about the role of the BF
counsellor, as this is a sticky situation, knowing how to ask appropriately
in a sensitive situation.  If she does talk about it, it would only be to
someone who has gained her trust, and the level of trust she has for you or
someone else.  My own way of giving her the opportunity to talk would be to
avoid a direct question, but to talk generally about feelings about her
breasts and having them handled (baby, pumping, hand expresing), and give
her the opportunity to respond, without pushing it.  I'd watch her face and
body language in relation to any response and go very carefully from there.
I'd be careful to suggest, rather than to advise, and to be sure that the
mother felt in control.  It would help to know about support services in the
community (professional or support group) for women who have been abused as
children, so that you can suggest an appropriate contact.
    I know of two breastfeeding supprot groups, in two different towns,
which each held an optional discussion meeting on the topic of childhood
molestation and later feelings about breastfeeding, because there was a need
by some group members for this support.  One group, in a small town, invited
a guest speaker with wide counselling experience, to be the facilitator.
Other kinds of grieving also came out.  The other group (from memory)
conducted the meeting as a discussion group, led by the regular
breastfeeding counsellor/s.  The women who attended provided support for
each other in sharing their feelings.  In both these instances, it worked,
because the people running teh meeting were comfortable about it.  Also,
because women who weren't comfortable about attending were abel to stay
away.
      I'm going NOMAIL.  Any feedback to me privately please.
             Virginia

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html