Maternal exposure to intimate partner violence and breastfeeding practices in 51 low-income and middle-income countries: A population-based cross-sectional study.
Rishi CaleyachettyOlalekan Abdulrahman UthmanHana Nekatebeb BekeleRocio Martín-CañavateDebbie MaraisJennifer ColesBriony SteeleRicardo UauyPeggy Koniz-BooherPublished in: PLoS medicine (2019)
Our study indicates that mothers exposed to any form of IPV (physical, sexual, or emotional violence) were less likely to initiate breastfeeding early and breastfeed exclusively in the first 6 months. These findings may inform the argument for antenatal screening for IPV in LMICs and the provision of services to not only improve mothers' safety and well-being, but also support them in adopting recommended breastfeeding practices.