The influence of childhood maltreatment and prenatal intimate partner violence on childbirth experiences and breastfeeding outcomes

Phuc Huyen Do, Vo Van Thang, Phillip Baker, Aja Louise Murray, Manuel Eisner, Bach Xuan Tran, Bao-Yen Luong-Thanh, Lan Hoang Nguyen, Micheal Dunne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Despite the detrimental effects and life-course health consequences of violence exposure, relatively few studies have adequate capacity to investigate the evolution of violence from childhood to motherhood.
Objective: This study aims to examine the cyclical nature of childhood abuse and prenatal inter-partner violent victimization (p-IPV) and its adverse impact on childbirth trauma and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice in Vietnam.
Method: Using a prospective birth cohort, 150 pregnant women were recruited in the third trimester of pregnancy in Hue city in central Vietnam (Wave 1-Baseline) and re-interviewed approximately three months after delivery (Wave 2-Follow-up). The direct and indirect effects of violent victimization on subsequent childbirth experience (measured by Birth Memories and Recall Questionnaire) and EBF practice were estimated by using augmented-inverse-probability-weighted models, sensitivity analysis, and structural equation model.
Results: Detrimental and prolonged effects of the inter-generational cycle of violence transverse childhood to motherhood. Women who experienced either childhood abuse or p-IPV violence were more likely to experience negative emotional childbirth memories [ARR 1.21, 95% CI (1.04, 1.39)]. Evidence also suggested that not continuing to exclusively breastfeed at 3 months post-partum was strongly associated with prenatal depression, young age, and perceived low social status during pregnancy. Perceived strong connectedness among extended family members and social networks (i.e. nexus among family, friends, and neighborhood) provided a buffering effect by preventing EBF termination.
Conclusion: This research provides insights into the protective role of social connectedness in improving breastfeeding practice. It is vital to establish wholistic antenatal care and social service system to offer specialized support and response for victims of violence and mitigate the long-term sequelae of traumatic events.
Original languageEnglish
Article number105743
JournalChild Abuse and Neglect
Volume131
Early online date20 Jun 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sep 2022

Keywords

  • pregnant women
  • intimate partner violence
  • birth trauma
  • breastfeeding
  • adverse childhood experience
  • childhood abuse

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The influence of childhood maltreatment and prenatal intimate partner violence on childbirth experiences and breastfeeding outcomes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this