I have just completed a PhD thesis that may be of interest to those working with young mothers who are victims/survivors of childhood sexual assault. Maternal touch and maternal-infant physical boundaries emerged as important issues.

Professional examination of the both mother and child were problematic. Some examinations of the baby which are viewed as normal and routine by doctors, such as examination of the hips for congenital dysplastic hips, were viewed very differently by the mothers. In one case, a mother felt the doctor was going to rape her child when he examined the baby’s hips.  In the thesis I propose a number of strategies to reduce the distress to mother during encounters with health professionals.

To view Dr Cole's thesis in full - click here

Ongoing research in this area: “Making the consultation safe after birth: Survivors talk of healthcare professional encounters”

- Dr Jan Coles
President, Victorian Medical Women's Society