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Subject:
From:
Helen Armstrong <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 27 Mar 2002 17:26:51 -0500
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Although the study of domestic violence in the US may show an association between domestic violence rates and infant feeding patterns, we could reasonably hesitate to draw any conclusions about causation. 
This is partly because both are such complex behaviours, with many potential confounders.
However, it is also because rates of domestic violence can be extremely high in countries where virtually every infant is getting some breastfeeding.  
In some settings, violence may be pregnancy-related. In Nicaragua , the 1998 Demogrphic and Health Survey (DHS) showed 36% of women experienced domestic violence during pregnancy.  Those of higher parity were at greater risk. 28% of women with education beyond the secondary level were beaten, compared to 38% of those with no education.  At this time, 92% of Nicaraguan infants started breastfeeding and 65% were still breastfed at 6-9 months.  

In Colombia, the 1990 DHS showed 36% of separated women experienced physical violence, and the 1995 DHS showed 17.5% of married women, and 21% of those in less formalised unions.  24-33% of the beaten women reported that children were present during the violence. At these times, 95% of Colombian infants started breastfeeding and 66% were still breastfeeding at 6-9 months.

Among women in Bangladesh, 14% of deaths related to pregnancy are due to violence (70% to obstetric factors).  Bangladesh has a 97% breastfeeding initiation rate, and some of the world's longest durations, but it also has gendered expectations of marriage relationships that include physical abuse.  I do not have the figures; there are few governments that are as courageous as Nicaragua and Colombia in surveying and publishing such data. 

But there seems enough to indicate that on current evidence we cannot expect breastfeeding, which does prevent so many other ills, to prevent domestic violence. 

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