Hi Linda:
I believe that abuse of any sort can affect breastfeeding and
lactation--definitely plays a role in social support networks. Not only is
possessive partner less likely to support breastfeeding but these women are
more likely to be isolated from peers--breastfeeding or otherwise. Keep in
mind that verbal/emotional abuse usually precedes any other type of long-term
abusive relationships. Here are a few references I have on hand (haven't done
new lit search this year):
The Verbally Abusive Relationship by Patricia Evans (follow-up book includes
first person responses to this book)--affected clients and many colleagues
and friends have found this book to be very helpful.
Breiner, S.J. (1992). Observations on the abuse of women and children.
Psychological Reports, 70: 153-154.
Campbell, J. (1989). A test of two expanatory models of women's responses to
battering. Nursing Research, 38(1), 18-23.
Landenburger, K. (1989). A process of entrapment in and recovery from an
abusive relationship. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 10: 209-227.
McBride, A.B. (1987). Developing a women's mental health agenda. Image:
Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 19(1), 4-8.
Parker, B., McFarlane, J., Soeken, K., Torres, S. & Campbell, D. (1993).
Physical and emotional abuse in pregnancy: A comparison of adult and teenage
women. Nursing Research, 42(3), 173-178.
Trimpey, M.L. (1989). Self-esteem and anxiety: Key issues in an abused
women's support group. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 10: 297-308.
Ok, I'm going to come out of the closet here--no, not the breastfeeding
"zealot" (althoughI prefer to think of myself as a marketing rep) closet; the
"I read and enjoy historical romance" closet--so that I can tell any
interested Lactnetters that a new historical focuses on a physically abusive
relationship--parts were quite well done, including the emotional entrapment
and how women in some cases seem like they keep going back for more. It's
called Sweet Awakening by Marjorie Farrell (Topaz/Signet--May, 1995).
Hope some of this is helpful.
Karen
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