Citation

Kendall-Tackett KA. Trauma Violence Abuse 2007; 8(3): 344-353.

Affiliation

Family Research Laboratory, University of New Hampshire.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1524838007304406

PMID

17596350

Abstract

Violence against women affects millions of women, including women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. During pregnancy, a woman's history of past abuse increases her risk of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. And these increase the risk of pregnancy and neonatal complications. Women who have experienced past or current abuse are also at high risk for postpartum depression, which can affect their relationships with other adults and their babies. Violence against women can also affect women's ability to breastfeed, although abuse survivors often express an intention to breastfeed and are more likely to initiate breastfeeding than their nonabused counterparts. Current abuse, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, social isolation, lack of social support, and cessation of breastfeeding all have negative health effects for mothers and babies.

Language: en