Pleasure from Erotic Nipple Stimulation, Pre-pregnancy, as a Predictor of Successful Initiation of Breastfeeding

Abstract

Introduction: The erotic association with breasts and nipples can be a barrier to breastfeeding due to fear and misunderstanding by breast feeders and health professionals alike (Polomeno, 1999). Little is known about erotic pleasure from nipple stimulation and its correlation to initiate breastfeeding. This study was to determine if erotic pleasure from nipple stimulation prior to pregnancy is a predictor of successful initiation of breastfeeding. Method: This was a convenience sampling from 4/1/18 until 6/30/18 using Survey Monkey in both English and Spanish. Inclusion criteria, participants over the age of 18, had infant aged 0-12 weeks and, attempted or were actively breastfeeding. Results: There were 237 accepted responses that fit the inclusion criteria, however only 114 participants had usable data. The first hypothesis was: Does erotic pleasure with nipple stimulation prior to pregnancy indicate successful initiation of breastfeeding? A Chi-square test did not reveal any significant differences (χ2(1) = 0.000, p < .984). The second hypothesis under consideration for the present study was: If multiparous, with erotic displeasure from nipple stimulation when nulliparous, did erotic nipple stimulation then become pleasurable between pregnancies? This was statistically significant but in the opposite direction of what was predicted (χ2(1) = 7.196, p < .007). Conclusion: While there was no direct correlation between pleasure from erotic nipple stimulation and positive incitation of breastfeeding, the dialogue and response around the survey demonstrated the great need for education around sexuality, sexual expression, as it relates to breastfeeding. Recommendations for further study include more inclusive language and a reframing as a qualitative study.