Nursing mothers can have many problems as they feed two people, not one. However, evidence shows that breastfeeding can impact libido, and nursing mothers have questions. But the most common is, where did their sex drive go?
A woman’s world is full of twists and turns. One moment you are on top of the world, everything seems to be working just fine – from your relationship to your career and social circle among other things – and the next moment, you are stuck trying to understand the reason for the sudden changes in your life. Changes in your body, changes pertaining to your emotional state as well as changes in your basic bodily needs mainly characterized by the decreased urges for sexual intimacy.
When abrupt changes occur in your life, such as pregnancy, childbirth and later on breastfeeding and taking care of the newborn baby, one of the things that suffer is your sex drive. Oh yes! It is a pretty much common occurrence for any mom. This assurance must be comforting, especially if you thought you are alone in this. Relax girl! There are so many of you on this rollercoaster.
The next question you are going to ask is; how is my libido connected to breastfeeding? It is partly a hormonal thing. Consider the following;
Drop-in estrogen levels
Your estrogen levels are partly responsible for your reduced libido. Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone which plays a very important role in normal sexual and reproductive well-being. Estrogen levels also regulate your physical and mental health and most importantly drives your sexual prowess. Breastfeeding is believed to reduce estrogen production because of its natural tendency to subdue ovulation in lactating women. It explains why your cervical mucus has taken a temporary hike leaving you to worry about vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, vaginal dryness leads to painful intercourse and this incident can make you dislike getting intimate with your partner – even when you feel like doing it.
Luckily, vaginal dryness can be managed using the right lubrication. Foreplay also comes in handy to make sure that you are sufficiently aroused before penetration. Let your partner know what you are going through so that he can handle you tenderly during the act.
Hormone Prolactin
When you give birth, your body is set to naturally produce nutritious breast milk, which largely determines the health of your baby for the rest of its life. A hormone known as prolactin is the one responsible for making this happen, and the same hormone is to blame for your low sex drive. It is partly because prolactin and estrogen are inversely proportional to each other or in other terms, the presence of higher level of prolactin causes a considerable decrease in estrogen production.
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During this period, your body is designed to put almost everything else to a standstill, including ovulation, to ensure the survival and well-being of your little one. As such, you may want to consider your sex drive as one of the things you must be willing to give up just to see your baby happy and healthy – at least in the short term.
Exhaustion
Don’t forget that breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally draining. Breastfeeding doesn’t only entail holding the breast for the baby to feed. It is also a moment for the mother and child to bond, and this takes a lot of emotional effort. The situation is especially tiring during the first few months after the baby is born. An infant also requires a lot of attention. So, we shouldn’t look at this issue solely from the perspective of breastfeeding.
It should be looked wholesomely as a period where the attention of the mother is almost fully on the baby at all times. By the end of the day, engaging in sexual intercourse is usually the last thing on her mind. Most of the times, all she wants is to take a good rest – just that! She even stops having sexual fantasies and thoughts. Thankfully, this whole experience is usually something temporary. This phase doesn’t last more than a few weeks or in some cases may take up to a few months. Your life will go back to normal as soon as you learn to make the necessary adjustments.
The fact that you are breastfeeding isn’t enough reason to watch your sex drive continually take a dip. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you and your partner continue to enjoy incredible sex. In any case, do you really have to wait until the baby stops breastfeeding? Clearly, you don’t have to.
You may want to consider the following effective tips;
- Target the adrenal component associated with the loss of sex drive. You can achieve this by investing in a daily dose of Vitamin B complex as well as vitamin C.Also, minerals like Zinc, Selenium, and Omega-3 fatty acids help in boosting your libido and loss of sexual will can very well be reverted if your body gets these vitamins in adequate amount.
- Try getting enough sleep as the lack of it can drive you insane. The last thing you want to think about when you haven’t been sleeping well is sex and that explains why your sex drive is hurting. Request your partner to help you bottle feed some time so that you can grab some sleep.
Speak to your doctor about the hurting nipple as this can impact your sex drive as well. He or she will recommend workable solutions.
To conclude, we demonstrated the relationship between libido and breastfeeding. The above information can help you identify the link between the two and understand how these two can affect the sex drive of a lactating mother.
One Worst Women’s Sexual Health Myth That Won’t Die
Some women believe that the use of birth control pills make a woman to add weight.
Let us face these discussions head-on. Birth control pills have totally nothing to do with added body weight. This is a far-fetched notion which needs to be dispelled. The main purpose of taking birth control pills is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If that purpose is achieved then a woman will have some peace of mind. Believe it or not, sexual intercourse has no timetable and this is what stresses a woman the most.
This stress caused by worries of becoming pregnant makes a woman grow thinner and thinner with time. Birth control pill, therefore, provides assurance against unwanted pregnancy. A woman is assured of protection against these and that is what makes a woman to add weight. Women should be advised accordingly that it is not the pill that makes a woman add weight but the peace of mind.
Ask Us Questions Related To Libido And Breastfeeding – Where Did My Sex Drive Go?
Can breastfeeding reduce the libido of women?
Research had shown that breastfeeding can subdue ovulation in women for months after childbirth and this situation can reduce a woman’s libido level, caused by the high levels of prolactin in the woman’s body after childbirth which reduces estrogen levels in the woman’s body. The resultant effect of this is that many women after childbirth report a massive drop in their sexual desire during their nursing period.
The situation can get so bad in some women as they cannot have libido at all during this period, keeping them in a state where they are non-organic. While a few other women can experience a minute level of desire.
This, however, is not a cause for alarm, as the sexual desire in nursing mothers usually returns once they are done with their nursing period, and it returns even faster for others once the breastfeeding reduces a little. There’s no reason to see the doctor or feel bad in this situation as it is only temporary.
Can birth control pills affect a woman’s sex drive?
Birth control pills have been proven to be a leading cause of low sex drive in women, while the problem is not associated with all forms of birth control pills, it is largely associated with the hormone-based birth control pills. Research and studies had shown that the Hormone based pills increase a woman’s sex hormone globulin, a situation that causes low testosterone levels in the woman.
Knowing the important rule, the testosterone hormone plays in the woman’s body as it relates to her sexual drive, a reduction of this hormone which is done by increasing the woman’s globulin leaves the woman with no desire for sex. a remedy for this situation is to see your doctor or sex therapist for advice, and to also plays premium on non-hormone based birth control pills.
Is It Normal To Lose Sex Drive While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful experience that many women choose to embark on after giving birth. It has numerous health benefits for both the mother and the baby, such as promoting bonding, boosting the immune system, and providing optimal nutrition. However, one aspect that is often not talked about is the effect breastfeeding can have on a woman’s sex drive.
It is not uncommon for women to experience a decrease in their sex drive while breastfeeding. This can be a source of concern and confusion for new mothers who are already dealing with the physical and emotional changes that come with motherhood. The question then arises, is it normal to lose sex drive while breastfeeding?
The short answer is yes, it is normal. The hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding can affect a woman’s libido. During pregnancy, the body produces high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for preparing the body for childbirth and breastfeeding. After giving birth, these hormone levels drop, and the body produces prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. This shift in hormone levels can cause a decrease in sex drive.
Moreover, breastfeeding can also cause physical discomfort, which can contribute to a decrease in libido. Many women experience sore nipples, breast engorgement, and fatigue during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. These physical changes can make sex uncomfortable or even painful, leading to a loss of interest in sexual activity.
Breastfeeding also requires a significant amount of time and energy, leaving many new mothers feeling exhausted and drained. The demands of breastfeeding, coupled with the lack of sleep and the constant care required for a newborn, can leave little time and energy for intimate moments with a partner. This can cause a decrease in sexual desire and lead to feelings of guilt and frustration.
On top of the physical and hormonal changes, there are also emotional factors that can affect a woman’s sex drive while breastfeeding. The postpartum period can be an emotionally challenging time for many mothers. The surge of hormones and the responsibility of caring for a newborn can leave many women feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed. These emotions can also contribute to a decrease in libido.
It is essential to note that every woman’s experience with breastfeeding and its effect on their sex drive is unique. While some may experience a significant decrease in libido, others may not notice any changes at all. It is crucial to understand that there is no right or wrong way to feel about sex during breastfeeding. Each woman’s body and emotional state is different, and it is entirely normal for libido to fluctuate.
Furthermore, it is also vital to recognize that a decrease in sex drive does not mean a lack of love or attraction towards a partner. Many new mothers may feel guilty or disconnected from their partners due to the changes in their libido. It is essential to communicate openly and honestly with a partner about these changes and to find alternative ways to show love and intimacy, such as cuddling, kissing, or simply spending quality time together.
If a woman is concerned about the impact of breastfeeding on her sex drive, there are ways to manage and improve it. First and foremost, it is essential to take care of oneself physically and emotionally. Getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and finding time for self-care can go a long way in boosting libido. It is also crucial to communicate openly with a partner about any concerns and to find ways to connect and be intimate in non-sexual ways.
In conclusion, it is entirely normal for women to experience a decrease in their sex drive while breastfeeding. The hormonal, physical, and emotional changes that occur during this time can affect libido. However, it is essential to remember that this is only a temporary phase, and libido usually returns to normal once breastfeeding is over. It is crucial for women to take care of themselves physically and emotionally and to communicate openly with their partners about any changes in their sex drive. Breastfeeding should be a beautiful and empowering experience for women, and it should not be a source of guilt or shame about their sexuality.
