Low Libido while breastfeeding is a common concern to many new mums, mainly caused by low hormone levels. The drop in hormones after pregnancy is the most considerable hormonal change anyone will experience in their lifetime.
The estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy, and within three days after birth, the homes return to where they were before pregnancy or lower. The hormone drop stimulates your body to produce prolactin, which signals milk-making glands to produce breast milk. Prolactin suppresses the production of the hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which play a part in sexual arousal and libido.
Besides the hormonal changes, combined exhaustion from all daily activities, sleep deprivation during postpartum, and the insecure feeling of your physical body changes. Then a new mum has many reasons to feel low about being intimate with their partner.
When breastfeeding women acknowledge this, they take proactive steps to maintain a healthy sexual relationship, nurture intimacy with their partner, and prioritize their own sexual well-being during this unique phase of motherhood.
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Does Breastfeeding Affect Your Libido?
Many women’s sex drive changes while breastfeeding. If you feel you have no sex drive after birth, you are not alone. Don’t be too hard on yourself, thinking you have lost feelings for your partner. As mentioned above, the major reason is the hormonal changes that try to suppress progesterone and estrogen in an attempt to produce more prolactin.
As the baby starts to feed on solid food and the amount of breast milk is reduced, your hormones will slowly go back to normal.
Another concern breastfeeding mothers have is leaky or sore breasts. Your breasts are probably going to leak during intimacy. Your body feels good, your partner may stimulate them, and the orgasm can cause the milk letdown. Also, nipples are usually sore during the first days of breastfeeding, although at the first six weeks, you are not having intercourse, it may persist, and you can feel agitated when your partner tries to hold you.
For new mums, a lot of physical body changes occur. Your breast changes after birth, and you feel bigger on your face, feet, and body, affecting your self-confidence. Before acceptance, some women struggle to feel sexy and think that the new body changes are permanent. With proper self-care and taking time to heal, you learn to connect with yourself and your partner.
Let’s talk about exhaustion and its impact on your overall well-being. Sleep deprivation is a state for every new parent. Even when your baby sleeps the whole night, you will wake up three to four times for feeding or diaper change. Lack of sleep makes mums have the feeling of ‘not sexy’ as well as increase the stress hormone. Take care of yourself by sleeping when time allows, and make you available for your baby and your partner.
Libido Pills While Breastfeeding
The safety of specific libido pills can vary depending on their ingredients and potential effects on the breastfeeding mother and infant.
Even though some libido pills may claim to be safe for use during breastfeeding, ensure that you exercise caution. Certain or combinations of ingredients may have unknown effects on breast milk production, quality, or the nursing baby’s health.
Consult your doctor who can assess the ingredients of the specific libido pills and give guidance based on your medical history, breastfeeding relationship and the safety profile of the pills.
Always prioritize the safety and well-being of both the baby and the breastfeeding mother; hence, consulting with a doctor is recommended to enable you make an informed decision.
HerSolution Gel
Pills will worry you on the safety of what your baby gets through the breastmilk. Instead of using pills, there are alternatives like gels. A good example is It is a topical gel formulated to address concerns such as low libido, vaginal dryness, and difficulty achieving orgasm.
The gel is applied directly to the genital area, and its unique blend of natural ingredients aims to increase blood flow, sensitivity, and lubrication, leading to heightened sexual arousal and pleasure. Note that this gel is intended for external use only and should not be ingested.
The formulation of The gel is applied a few minutes before sexual intercourse. Users often report experiencing a warming or tingling sensation upon application, which can contribute to heightened sensitivity and arousal.
Natural Approaches to Enhance Libido While Breastfeeding
When breastfeeding women focus on natural approaches, they enhance their libido safely and effectively. Some of the natural approaches include;
Managing Your Stress Levels
Self-care after birth will always be the epitome of having a healthy relationship with yourself, your baby and your partner. Having no stress is vital is maintaining a healthy sex drive. Chronic stress can negatively impact libido by disrupting hormonal balance and increasing fatigue. Taking part in other activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and activities promoting relaxation will reduce your stress and improve your sexual desire.
Engaging in Physical Exercises
Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being and increasing sexual desire. Exercises targeting the pelvic muscles can improve sexual function and increase libido.
Proper Nutrition and Hydration
A well-rounded diet rich in nutrients and vitamins can support healthy hormone production and overall well-being, positively influencing libido.
Talking about it
When you talk to your partner about your low sexual desire, you will go through it together. You will feel heard and loved, which alternatively increases your libido.
Should You Have Sex With Your Partner When You Have Low Sex Drive?
My answer is no. Low libido in a relationship is a very sensitive issue. Your partner might feel rejected when you say no to sex.
It is important that you communicate effectively in a kind manner and remind him of the gift you are celebrating now (new baby). Low libido will seize with time.
If you don’t want to have sex, then don’t. Forcing yourself will only hurt your partner. Look for other ways to create intimacy while looking for ways to increase your libido.
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Take Away Points on Breastfeeding, Low Libido, and Sexual Intimacy.
As time passes, the hormones needed for regular menstruation start to return to normal, and you will overcome the low libido season. The most crucial point is to let your partner know, and when you choose to use any libido supplement, consult your doctor first. If sexual intimacy becomes an issue in your relationship, talk to a therapist.