Jennifer writes us about a baby who bit mom, mom reacted and except for one try baby refused to nurse after that. 

Early history sounds very relevant to mother baby relationship i.e. difficult birth and short time at breast thereafter. This seems to indicate that there were some relational difficulties regarding the establishment of the breast as a supreme attachment and comforting object. HOWEVER, this is just a suggestion and since every couple is different one would never be able to say that this is definitely the case without seeing the family.

It is interesting to note that breast refusal after biting and mom reacting is very common in psychological literature. It is possible to work with this couple and to help them re-establish and reframe their relationship. 

Look for a therapist who is uses or is aware of object relations models. 

Keren Epstein-Gilboa MEd BScN RN FACCE LCCE IBCLC
PhD (Candidate) 
psychotherapist  

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