Jude,

I had a mom come to me prenatally to discuss her aversion to having her breast
touched.  She could not even touch them herself.  She told me that she had
suffered sexual abuse as a child and her breast were involved.  She had
received therapy for the sexual abuse.  She was birthing at a Birth Center
with midwives.

I suggested she start by touching her own breast along with doing her prepared
childbirth relaxation techniques and to visualize her baby peacefully nursing
at her breast.  After the consult, I consulted with a mental health counselor
who had lots of experience with sexual abuse.  He was pleased with my
suggestions adding that if she couldn't overcome the aversion with my
suggestions, she might try hynotheraphy and learn to do self hynosis.

She did fine with my suggestions.  She did have some sore nipples that
continued for about three weeks with no apparent trama and with good latch and
positioning. She came straight to my office after delivering the baby to work
on latch and positioning.  I  showed her how to massage the breast and do
breast compressions as the baby nursed.  I asked if it was okay for me to
touch her and she seemed very relaxed.  The baby is now about five months
nursing fine and they are a beautiful, happy  nursing couple.  She is planning
on writing an article on sexual abuse and birth and breastfeeding.

Hope this is helpful.

Warmly,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC (Orlando, FL)