While breastfeeding, a woman’s libido takes a hit due to hormones like prolactin and oxytocin that increase milk production and suppress ovulation. Low estrogen can also cause vaginal dryness and decrease interest in sex.
This dip is completely normal and probably a good thing as it means that the body is focused on nurturing and caring for a new baby. Here are some tips to help get sex drive back:
1. Drink plenty of water
Many new mothers experience a low libido during and after childbirth, and this is completely normal. It is due to a number of factors, including hormonal changes, fatigue, and sleep deprivation. However, there are ways to increase your sex drive while breastfeeding, such as eating plenty of water, taking a sex supplement, and massage.
During pregnancy, your body produces high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are both directly linked to sexual desire. After delivery, your body will stop producing these hormones in order to produce breast milk. Therefore, your sex drive may decrease for some time after you give birth.
There are some sex supplements that can help you boost your libido while breastfeeding, such as maca powder and tribulus. Tribulus is a herb that can be found in some natural food stores and is commonly marketed as a libido enhancer. A study found that people who took tribulus for 90 days experienced an increase in sexual satisfaction. Maca powder is a plant grown in the Andes Mountains that is similar to Peruvian ginseng. It is considered safe to take while breastfeeding.
2. Eat a healthy diet
For many breastfeeding women, their libido takes a hit thanks to falling levels of oestrogen and prolactin. These hormones are what create sexual desire, but they’re often replaced with oxytocin and the satisfaction of breastfeeding your little one.
This is all totally normal and, as long as you’re lubricated, sexual intercourse can be enjoyable. If you’re breastfeeding, be sure to use a natural, non-sticky, organic lubricant that doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals.
A healthy diet is essential for any woman, but this becomes even more important when trying to increase libido while breastfeeding. Try to eat plenty of protein, veggies and fruits. A high-protein diet has been shown to enhance libido and increase orgasms. Try eating maca, which grows on high altitudes in the Andes and is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng. This herb has been shown to increase sexual drive and satisfaction in several studies and is considered safe to take while breastfeeding.
3. Get plenty of sleep
Many new moms experience a dip in their libido while breastfeeding. This is due to a combination of factors, including hormone changes and vaginal dryness. However, there are ways to increase sex drive while breastfeeding.
For example, getting plenty of sleep can help boost libido. Studies have shown that sleeping for more than 8 hours per night can significantly increase libido. Additionally, eating foods that are rich in folic acid and zinc can also help. These nutrients are found in foods such as oysters, red wine, acorn squash, and pumpkin seeds.
Some people also find that kissing and massage are great ways to build intimacy. Additionally, a good lubricant can help alleviate the physical discomfort that may come with breastfeeding.
4. Take a sex supplement
It’s no surprise that breastfeeding can have a significant impact on a new mom’s libido. Estrogen levels are low, preventing ovulation and making women feel dry (even more than during pregnancy), while hormones like prolactin and oxytocin, which are released during bonding with the baby, may interfere with interest in sex.
Then, there’s the fact that many new mamas are simply exhausted from the day-to-day demands of motherhood and sleep deprivation. It’s important to remember that a lack of libido is normal, and it will likely return once you wean the baby.
Until then, there are some sex supplements on the market that can help boost a woman’s libido. However, it’s important to be cautious when choosing a supplement as many products aren’t tested for safety while breastfeeding. Instead, try some natural aphrodisiacs like red wine, oysters, and pumpkin seeds which are high in zinc.
5. Massage your partner
Women often experience a lack of sexual desire after giving birth. This can be due to a variety of factors, including hormone changes and lifestyle disruptions. It is important to remember that this is normal and will most likely resolve on its own. It is also important to communicate openly with your partner about sexual desires and expectations.
Many new mothers find that breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which creates pleasurable feelings and promotes bonding with your newborn. This may satisfy your need for physical intimacy and could be an effective alternative to sexual arousal. It may be helpful to use lubricant during breastfeeding if you are able to do so.
Whether you decide to engage in non-sexual forms of intimacy or not, it is important to remember that breastfeeding does not have to mean the end of your sexual life. It can be a wonderful way to connect with your partner and nurture your relationship.
6. Exercise
It’s completely normal for libido to take a nosedive after you give birth. You’re recovering from delivery, you’re not getting much sleep, and your baby has a lot of needs that must be met on a regular basis. Plus, breastfeeding can increase the levels of two hormones – prolactin and oxytocin – that can interfere with sexual desire.
However, it’s important to remember that these changes are temporary and will eventually pass. In the meantime, there are many things you can do to help boost your sex drive while breastfeeding. Getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding certain foods that can trigger milk leakage can all help. It’s also important to love and accept your body, no matter what it looks like after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Remember, you carried a baby for 9 months! You’re amazing! You can get back into shape over time.
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