Breastfeeding

Reviews the book Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History by Florence Williams. Breasts examines how our breasts and our environment are intricately related because breasts are made up of fat and glandular tissue and more easily absorb chemical toxins from the environment than do many other parts of our body.

The result of a study of eighteen mothers and five service providers from Winnipeg and Saskatoon and their perceptions of the motivations, challenges and supports for breastfeeding. Uncovers some of the complexities experienced by breastfeeding mothers including their cultural knowledge and understandings, social environments, local program availability, health professional and family supports, or lack thereof. Includes suggestions from the women and service providers on how to better support mothers who are breastfeeding. 

This information sheet is based on the 2005 study “From Hurting Touch to Healing Touch: The Infant Feeding Experiences of Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)” by Penny Van Esterik and Karen Wood. The experience of CSA can often impact a woman throughout her life, and may affect infant feeding practices. Many lay and professional women find it rewarding to help other women who want to succeed with breastfeeding and overcome any possible obstacles. There are many invisible obstacles to having a good breastfeeding experience. One of these obstacles may be CSA.

This information sheet is based on the 2005 study “From Hurting Touch to Healing Touch: The Infant Feeding Experiences of Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)” by Penny Van Esterik and Karen Wood.  It states that for many women, the experience of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has a lifelong impact, and may affect infant feeding practices. Breastfeeding or seeing other women breastfeeding may trigger sudden intense emotional memories of abuse. Sexual abuse in childhood affects every woman differently. The birth of a child, and the breastfeeding experience, has for many women been a negative experience. For other women, it has been a healing experience.

Discusses a sensitive practice model that lactation consultants and those who offer mother-to-mother support can use in helping women who have faced abuse reconnect with their bodies and heal through breastfeeding.

Argues that breasfeeding should not be seen soley as risky behaviour when looking and studying women, HIV transmission and child survival.

Provides the clinical topics and problem-solving guidance that lactation consultants and other women's health professionals need in professional practice.

Explains the benefits of breastfeeding and provides advice to women on how to manage breastfeeding and work.

Explains the benefits of breastfeeding and provides advice to women on how to manage breastfeeding and work, in Arabic.

Explains the benefits of breastfeeding and provides advice to women on how to manage breastfeeding and work, in Chinese.