It’s a taboo; that is what having sex while nursing is considered as leave alone doing both at the same time. Nursing a newborn is a good thing, but there are fears which come with it such as maintaining an intimate relationship. One of the most important question is will breast feeding interfere with sex drive? Nursing might interfere with the sex drive but it never lasts for long.
The most obvious reason that interferes with your sex drive is exhaustion. The postpartum period is tricky because exhaustion cannot be avoided because you are solely the source of baby’s food. When the baby wakes up severally in the middle of the night for breastfeeding and all day cleaning up after the baby; the exhaustion may leave you non receptive to your spouse’s caresses.
Secondly, breastfeeding suppresses ovulation for the few months that follow as nature’s way to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen hormone production is below the normal level and this means vaginal dryness which could dampen the desire for sex.
Whichever of the above causes low sex drive for you, know that it is normal. This nevertheless does not mean you cut communication with your spouse, together openly discuss the issue and come up with other ways to be intimate to strengthen your relationship together.
Women are different most nursing mothers have attested to the fact that nursing does not affect their sex drive. In fact, they experience high levels of sex drive with amorous feelings for their spouses. They get to appreciate their bodies an attitude they can only rub off at the comfort of their bedrooms when they are with their spouses. If a woman experiences pelvic sexual arousal they should know it’s normal.
Four major conclusions drawn from research on the physiology and anatomy of nursing
- A nursing mother should be informed on a correct and favorable method of contraception to use during breastfeeding. The uterus resumes its original size before conception for the reason that there is the presence of oxytocin, it contracts during breastfeeding. In some cases menses are delayed, but it does not necessarily mean that ovulation has been delayed.
- During breastfeeding vaginal lubrication is less and in some cases it is not there, no matter the level of sexual excitement.
- Lactating women tend to eject breast milk when they experience orgasm. This is a reflex action which depends on the age of the baby, mothers experience on breastfeeding and the time of the sexual encounter.
- Nipples of nursing mothers are very sensitive and they may not necessarily arouse sexual desires or responses. So breasts are out of bounds for sexual arousal.
Is there any comparison between breastfeeding and coital orgasm?
The connection between the two could explain why some lactating mothers experience increased sexual desire during this time. A research done in the 1955 had this to reveal
- During both actions there are uterine contractions.
- Whether in sensual excitement or suckling the nipples erect.
- Nipple stimulations and breast stroking is present in both actions.
- Emotions invoked during both actions cause skin changes.
- Milk ejection or let down is triggered.
- Sexual arousal and unrestricted breastfeeding have closely allied emotions.
- Women develop an attitude to accept breastfeeding during the act and attitude to accept sexuality during coital orgasm.
Steps to reassure your spouse after they experience low sexual drive when nursing
Show love and affection, even if they are not ready to resume sexual activity. Loving actions such as hugging and kissing are okay for a start.
After having a baby most women feel unattractive with the gained weight and stretch marks they hardly feel the beauty. All she needs is an assurance that she is beautiful and attractive.
When she is ready to have sex take it slow and make her comfortable as it might be painful and uncomfortable. Make it comfortable for her because it will take longer before she is aroused.
Ask and talk if it is okay to touch her breasts. Do not avoid her chest because she is breastfeeding. Sore nipples can make her be uncomfortable during intimate times. It is good to let her know that you will be avoiding touching them at the moment. Be aware that the milk will splash all over you during your intimate moment.
Help out with whatever you can whenever you can. Being a new mother is overwhelming, especially with the swollen breasts with milk and knowing you cannot be away from the newborn because they will need you at any time.
How long should one wait before resuming sex after birth? The doctors give a go ahead after the six-week postpartum checkup, but to some women this is too soon. Though for a man it is different as they are eagerly waiting for it as soon as possible. Men are afraid to be replaced with the child, on the other hand, when they introduce intimate actions like kissing passionately; the woman will soon be ready for an intimate moment.
