>We've recently discussed leaking as a potential "barrier to
>breastfeeding" culturally...
>        I recently had a mother who had a very difficult time with
>latch;  I knew something was not right and had her using a pump to keep
>up her supply.  When we finally got down to the realities, she said "If
>you really want to know, I was sexually abused as a teen.  I really want
>my baby to have the best -- but having her at my breast brings flashbacks
>of the abuse.  I can do the pump, but I can't breastfeed her."

Your experience with this mother is not uncommon and might be worth sharing
in JHL as a letter tooeditor seeking additional information from others who
have had mothers with similar reactions.

The "distance" that pumping affords may be the best alternative for these
moms, esp. with first baby. I harbor the hope that with a subsequent baby,
she will have worked her way through some of these feelings sufficiently to
be able to suckle directly, but wonder if the baby's first biting might
again trigger negative reactions.

We have to give these women credit for even trying to breastfeed given
their experiences.  I suspect we will learn more if people share what they
have learned in letters or case reports--the case reports would be PERFECT
for Consultants Corner section of JHL, by the way.

                                                        KGA

         %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
         %%  Kathleen G. Auerbach, PhD, IBCLC    %%
         %%        Lactation Services            %%
         %%        Homewood, Illinois            %%
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