Some thoughts about breastfeeding aversion vis-a-vis
past sexual abuse...

Some women who have been sexually abused manage to go
on to have sex because it is simply an accepted part
of adult life.  Women may feel that being sexually
active is expected of them, so they have sex to feel
some semblance of normalcy.   Some cope with sex by
tuning out mentally and emotionally during the act
itself; others find participating in enjoyable,
non-threatening sexual activity to be very healing.

In regard to breastfeeding, in many societies, it is
still seen as unusual, rather than the norm, so IMO,
some women with abuse histories can be very
uncomfortable with it.  The emotions and physical
sensations that occur when the nipples are stimulated
can be confusing and even a little frightening.  Many
abuse survivors have difficulty just being warm and
snuggly with another body (of any age or size) because
we have been programmed to think that affection is
going to progress to sexualized touching.
Breastfeeding, with some education and reassuring
support, can be a great way to move toward defeating
some of those ugly old demons.

Carole

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