How to Increase Libido While Breastfeeding
It has become increasingly shocking to breastfeeding moms who learn that this can diminish their libido. It’s true that breastfeeding can cause a decline in sexual desire due where woman feel like they should be ready to have sex again, but simply don’t feel that desire.
We feel most of that can stem from the exhaustion that comes from producing milk for your baby. This process takes a lot of energy and can often cause you to want to only sleep as often as possible, never mind trying to have a sexual relationship.
Today we will have a discussion around how to increase libido while breastfeeding complete with some tips on what you can do, how this happens, and other details you should know so that you can be prepared to handle this libido issue while breastfeeding.
There are many ways breastfeeding places a hindrance on your libido. These include, but aren’t limited to:
Sore Breasts
During the start of breastfeeding your nipples will be sore as they toughen up to the suckle of your baby. Not only that, but your breasts may leak some milk which will cause issues with you feeling sexually desirable.
This is part of what causes a lower libido when breastfeeding, so it’s probably best to prepare for the first few weeks of breastfeeding to be a time of adjustment.
Decrease in Feeling Attractive
Most moms breastfeed for up to that first year of baby’s life, during this time you still have a lot of post pregnancy weight. Your body will have changed after holding that growing newborn in your tummy. This change in appearance may have caused you to feel less attractive, and in turn decreases libido in most women.
It’s best to work towards embracing your new body shape as you continue to change and adapt to being a mom. Discuss this with your partner, so that they can understand how you’re feeling and try to show up better for you in support of your new body image.
Body Image Issues
As noted above, you may have a decrease in feeling attractive because your body changes. Not only that, but being a breastfeeding mom will often leave your breasts bulgy and uncomfortable which can cause issues with feeling comfortable during sexual relations.
You can meet a therapist that helps you overcome the mindset shifts that occur after giving birth and experiencing this body image concern. They may be able to guide you forward with some daily practices that help you feel beautiful in your new skin.
Vaginal Dryness
Now that we’ve covered the various body image issues, there comes a time when you may experience vaginal dryness or uncomfortable feelings when having intercourse. After giving birth to a baby your genital area will be a bit sensitive.
This includes becoming dry due to hormone changes, and uncomfortable due to the healing process of having pushed a baby out of your body. You can use personal lubricants and other lotions made to help with this condition.
Exhaustion
Another problem with breastfeeding is that you’re constantly feeding a baby. You have no become your child’s main source of food. Your energy will be used to feed the baby, and create more milk to breastfeed the baby whenever the baby is hungry.
This uses so much energy that it’s often recommended that breastfeeding moms consume more calories during this time to maintain proper health. If you’re exhausted from this season in life, try to discuss helpful ideas with your partner so you can rest more often to help bring back your natural libido.
Irregular Periods
As you breastfeed, your periods may become irregular as it works to get back to a normal hormone level. This fluctuation in hormones means that your estrogen and testosterone are out of whack, causing fluctuations in libido.
This part of the lowered libido while breastfeeding is mostly out of your control, other than attempting to take some dietary supplements that help with mood and hormones. Sone herbal remedies have been used since ancient times to improve moods during breastfeeding. Just check with your doctor to make sure they’re safe for baby and you.
Baby Interruptions
Lastly, you obviously have a new little one in the home and this causes some interruptions like baby crying for food, not sleeping well, and so forth. These baby interruptions cause an issue with libido because they need you to pause and tend to them.
This is just the start of having a baby in the home, so try to get used to a schedule where you can connect with your partner during baby’s nap time or similar low key moments when you know the baby will be occupied without the high risk of interruptions.
How to Increase Libido While Breastfeeding
While your libido may be off during breastfeeding, there are ways to get it back. Not to mention, your libido should return to a level of your normal when the hormones from having a baby and breastfeeding level out.
While this can take some time, and you want to connect now, we have some tips on how to increase libido while breastfeeding so that you can connect sensually with your partner now.
Use Personal Lubricants
There are plenty of personal lubricants available online and at local pharmacies for you to try. Consider using ones that are safe and gentle. Your body is still adjusting to having a baby.
See a Sex Therapist
Another option on how to increase libido while breastfeeding is to see a sex therapist, as they can help guide you and your partner towards closeness in this new stage of life.
Get a Baby Sitter
Consider hiring a baby sitter so that your partner and you can get some much needed alone time. You may need to plan ahead by pumping some breast milk, however, this may be just the solution you need and deserve to ignite passion in your relationship again.
Try Herbal Supplements
Lastly, you could try herbal supplements. There are plenty of options that can help balance hormones, increase libido, and stable your mood while you’re breastfeeding. You can buy these online or at your local supplement store.
As you can see there are a few ways to work through this season in life. You no longer have to suffer through this time in your life without sexual connections. Use some of the ideas above to help you work with your partner during this beautiful time in your relationship. We’re confident that at least one of these options will help you reconnect and ignite that spark between you both while you’re breastfeeding your baby.
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