Exploring the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Breastfeeding Initiation: Does It Matter?

N umerous medical associations recommend breast- feeding for the health of both a mother and her child, yet life circumstances can make this a challenging endeavor.Traumatic events can position barriers in the way of a new mother's attempts to initiate and sustain breastfeeding.While we acknowledge there may be many barriers to breastfeeding initiation, including, but not limited to, lower socioeconomic status, lack of education, childhood physical and emotional abuse and neglect, sex assault histories, and community violence, this article focuses on intimate partner violence (IPV) and how healthcare professionals may want to consider the role of IPV in mothers' breastfeeding decision-making.More than 20% of women experience IPV during their lifetime. 1It has been well documented that pregnancy is not protective of such abuse, and sometimes a pregnancy can be associated with the initiation or exacerbation of IPV.Numerous studies have documented the physical and mental health consequences for victims of IPV as well as victims' complex decision-making processes.After recognition of their IPV status, women must decide whether and when to get help.Many concerns such as economic resources, housing, custody, and social support weigh against the perceived danger and risk to safety in favor of remaining with an abusive partner.These issues may be compounded for new mothers experiencing IPV, who are navigating complex legal and social support systems while simultaneously adjusting to parenting.To initiate and sustain breastfeeding in busy, chaotic environments such as court and social service agencies may seem overwhelming and intimidating.In the mid-1980s, legislative policies resulted in the criminalization of IPV, with courts becoming a main portal for relief from IPV. Courtroom waiting rooms are often noisy and overcrowded, not to mention that victims may experience mounting anxiety waiting for their cases to be heard.Unfortunately, cases are rarely resolved in one visit.Courts' organizational demands often require IPV victims to make repeat appearances for the case, including origination and arraignment through motions and pre-trial conferences.These events can be particularly traumatizing and draining on victims, as they often include long days that can result in a mother's lack of attention to her own basic need for good nutrition and sleep.Breastfeeding advocates have made some progress in infusing breastfeeding into the work environment.This has