Breastfeeding Trauma: How Can We Recognise and Support Mothers Who Wanted to Breastfeed but Were Unable to Meet Their Goals?

• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 L-CERP
• Handout: Yes

Abstract:

It is recognised that women can experience feelings of guilt, unhappiness and anger when they cannot meet their breastfeeding goals. Breastfeeding difficulties leading to early cessation are a risk factor for postnatal depression. However, research has not previously examined these feelings of loss and distress in relation to clinical models of trauma.

From a research study exploring the experiences of over 3000 women who stopped breastfeeding before they were ready and held negative emotions around this decision, I argue that a subset of these women are displaying symptoms of clinical trauma in relation to their experience. The trauma stems from physical experiences of a difficult breastfeeding experience, but also the loss of a much-desired breastfeeding relationship. The combination of these events leaves the individual traumatised and understandably reactive to the topic of breastfeeding.

Trauma models identify numerous emotions and behaviours that individuals typically display when they have been traumatised by an event. These include recurrent distressing recollections of the events, intense psychological distress at exposure to reminders of the event and efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings or activities that remind one of the event.

Learning Objectives: