Publication Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Patterson, Julie

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Health Studies

Abstract

Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for both parent and child, yet many parents discontinue earlier than recommended. While childhood sexual abuse has been associated with breastfeeding difficulties, limited research has examined the broader effects of other forms of childhood maltreatments on breastfeeding outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between a history of childhood trauma and breastfeeding outcomes, with social support explored as a potential moderator. Participants (n = 194) were birthing parents of children under the age of five, recruited from online parenting communities. Measures included the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), a breastfeeding duration item, and a social support questionnaire. Although results were only marginally significant, the results point to a trend in which greater childhood trauma is linked to shorter breastfeeding durations: each additional ACE reduced the likelihood of breastfeeding longer by about 10%. Contrary to the initial hypothesis and previous research, social support did not moderate this relationship and was not directly related to breastfeeding duration. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between a history of trauma, breastfeeding outcomes, and social support.

Extent

70 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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Nutrition Commons

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