I agree with Diane on this issue, breastfeeding can be healing for moms
with history of molestation.  Unfortunately, we come upon too many of
them in this city.  My approach is to say "Many moms find breastfeeding
is a way to take your body back, and reaffirm for yourself that the
purpose of breasts is to nurture babies rather than to gratify
perverts."  I have had success with this approach, and perhaps this is
another cognitive therapy technique, planting a suggestion that reframes
breasts as functional as opposed to "dirty", and breastfeeding as
healing rather than emotionally painful.  I do find that moms with
history of sexual abuse need a lot of support in the early days, but if
they get through those, the empowerment they get from breastfeeding is
amazing.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  mailto:[log in to unmask]