Lack of sexual intimacy and intercourse after having a baby can have a tremendous impact on a romantic relationship. It has both psychological and physiological consequences that can cause numerous problems like stress, jealousy, anxiety, dissatisfaction and estrangement.
Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged for the health of your newborn. Breastfeeding has innumerable benefits , from reducing the risk of asthma and cancer to boosting overall health, there are many reasons women decide to nurse their babies. But, there is one particular problem when nursing that often stands out, that is the waning sexual desire.
After delivery, women need to give their body time to recover. There isn’t a set period for how long a woman is supposed to wait to have intercourse. Most experts agree waiting 4 to 6 weeks to give the body time to heal is appropriate.
However, even after recovery many women experience difficulty with sexual intercourse and/or a lack of desire. With all the sleepless nights and hectic routines, intercourse is often the last thing on their mind. But, for those who do want to be sexually active and/or have a partner that expresses strong desire, it can be a serious problem. This is particularly true if they are breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged for the health of your newborn. Breastfeeding has innumerable benefits , from reducing the risk of asthma and cancer to boosting overall health, there are many reasons women decide to nurse their babies. But, there is one particular problem when nursing that often stands out, that is the waning sexual desire.
After delivery, women need to give their body time to recover. There isn’t a set period for how long a woman is supposed to wait to have intercourse. Most experts agree waiting 4 to 6 weeks to give the body time to heal is appropriate.
However, even after recovery many women experience difficulty with sexual intercourse and/or a lack of desire. With all the sleepless nights and hectic routines, intercourse is often the last thing on their mind. But, for those who do want to be sexually active and/or have a partner that expresses strong desire, it can be a serious problem. This is particularly true if they are breastfeeding.
Changes In Hormone Levels
After giving birth, a woman’s estrogen levels drop, and her prolactin levels rise. Women who breastfeed maintain elevated prolactin levels and decreased estrogen and progesterone levels. Lower estrogen levels can lead to less vaginal lubrication as well as a reduced sex drive. Vaginal dryness can cause painful intercourse(dyspareunia).
On the other hand, breastfeeding also increases oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that causes relaxed, happy feelings. It is well known for its roles in both orgasm and labor as it facilitates contractions of the uterus. Elevated levels of oxytocin are good for a woman’s sexual functioning. Whether the changes in a woman’s hormone levels improve or worsen her sex life.
On the other hand, breastfeeding also increases oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that causes relaxed, happy feelings. It is well known for its roles in both orgasm and labor as it facilitates contractions of the uterus. Elevated levels of oxytocin are good for a woman’s sexual functioning. Whether the changes in a woman’s hormone levels improve or worsen her sex life.
Changes In Body And Self Image
Breastfeeding causes physical changes in a woman’s body as well. The breasts become larger and more sensitive and they may be prone to leaking milk.
Be prepared to experience leaking if you’re breastfeeding and having sex. Within days of giving birth, your breasts will fill with milk. Touching, rubbing, or sucking on the nipples during intercourse may release breast milk. You may even leak or spray breast milk during orgasm.
These techniques can help you manage this:
Nurse or pump ahead of time – If you have the time, try to reduce the amount of milk in your breasts before having sex. This will reduce the risk of a leak.
Wear a bra with nursing pads – If you and your partner are fine with keeping your breasts covered during intercourse, nursing pads tucked inside a bra can absorb any leaks.
Talk about it beforehand – Talk with your partner about the chances of this happening during intercourse. If it doesn’t bother you, don’t worry about it. It’s natural.
Be prepared to experience leaking if you’re breastfeeding and having sex. Within days of giving birth, your breasts will fill with milk. Touching, rubbing, or sucking on the nipples during intercourse may release breast milk. You may even leak or spray breast milk during orgasm.
These techniques can help you manage this:
Nurse or pump ahead of time – If you have the time, try to reduce the amount of milk in your breasts before having sex. This will reduce the risk of a leak.
Wear a bra with nursing pads – If you and your partner are fine with keeping your breasts covered during intercourse, nursing pads tucked inside a bra can absorb any leaks.
Talk about it beforehand – Talk with your partner about the chances of this happening during intercourse. If it doesn’t bother you, don’t worry about it. It’s natural.
Summary
Breastfeeding has a very close connection with a woman’s sex drive and ability to have pleasrable intercourse. It can affect them on a physical and emotional level. Of course, nursing is a wonderful and very important process, but experiencing these issues is common. If you are struggling with intimacy after having a baby and with breastfeeding get connected to an Asgar healthcare doctors. There are many safe and effective herbal supplements available to help.
