Breastfeeding Experiences of Women Who have Survived Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for women who have survived intimate partner violence (IPV), but little is known about the experiences of women in this population and the impact that IPV has on the breastfeeding journey. This pilot study aimed to explore the lived experiences of breastfeeding mothers who have survived IPV. Two women who had survived IPV and were breastfeeding participated in an online semi-structured interview, which invited them to share their expectations of breastfeeding, their birth experiences, positive and challenging breastfeeding experiences, the kinds of support they received, and advice they wanted to share with health professionals and other women. An interpretative phenomenological analysis identified three themes from the interviews: identity and sense of self; isolation; and the impact of support. Despite being a challenging process, breastfeeding was an empowering experience that facilitated a sense of purpose and identity, something IPV had deconstructed.