Introduction:
During the lactation phase, women undergo numerous changes in their bodies. The secretion of various hormones in a woman’s body transforms their body shape and affects their emotional health. All these changes are helping the mother with milk secretion for breastfeeding their newborn babies. It has an impact on sexual life as well. In addition, the physical changes in the body during the lactation period, lack of sleep, and the need to satisfy when it comes to caring for young children can affect a mother's life. The sexual drive of all mothers varies; some mothers may feel increased desire, and some will have no desire at all. Few studies claim that the frequency of sexual intercourse is typically low during the first few months of breastfeeding.
What Impact Does Breastfeeding Have On Sex Life?
The sex drive could be affected in a breastfeeding mother. The reason contributing to this is the falling level of estrogen hormone that makes the mother feel dryer than usual and lowered progesterone level that lowers their libido. All of these factors inhibit sexual desire.
Oxytocin hormone is released in a breastfeeding mother as well as when they have an orgasm. This can be the reason why they may not feel the same about the need for sex. Instead, they may develop affection from that midnight breastfeeding.
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Breastfeeding Can Make Them Feel Orgasm: The release of oxytocin hormone while breastfeeding can cause sensations similar to orgasm by causing intense contractions of the uterus. The nipple stimulation during a sexual activity may lead to intense pleasure. It is called boob gasm. The boob gasm is the same as genital orgasm. Many breastfeeding mothers describe breastfeeding as erotic, and these feelings are entirely normal.
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The Mother May Notice the Release of Milk During Sex: Milk release during sex is commonly experienced by many mothers. The oxytocin hormone causes these milk spurts, as the body releases oxytocin when they orgasm, similar to breastfeeding. However, if it bothers them, they may plan to breastfeed their baby before they have sex so that their breasts are not that full when they have sex. They may use pads inside their bra to prevent milk leakage from their breast.
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The Appearance of the Breast May Be Different: The mothers may notice that their breasts are no longer giving them as much sexual pleasure as usual. They might be experiencing pain or tenderness in their breasts and nipples. They may also tend to avoid touching their breasts. All these feelings are normal, but the mothers need to mention them to their partners correctly. Their partner may help deal with it differently; they may try light stroking their breast using the back or palm of their hands. Gently swaying and licking nipples have worked for a lot of breastfeeding women.
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The Nipples May Release Milk if Stimulated: There are chances that the nipple may release milk if the partner sucks on the nipples. It is called nipple sex, breastfeeding sex, or lactating sex. Breastfeeding, lactating, or nipple sex provides intense pleasure to the mother, just the same as the genital sex. Unlike the milk of other mammals, breast milk is sweet to taste. It is because of its natural milk sugar content. Some couples enjoy incorporating breast milk into sex.
How to Increase Sex Drive While Breastfeeding?
The bodily changes, disturbed sleep patterns, and concern about the child can be worrisome for most mothers. It is normal to experience less desire for sex, and all of these can affect intimacy between the mother and their partner. Most parents encounter the same problems, especially when they are new parents. If the couple is facing these challenges as new parents, these tips may be helpful for them to reconnect and become intimate with each other.
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Spending Time Together: When the mother is a new parent, they handle many responsibilities and may not have a minute to spare for each other. It is a common complaint of many partners. Managing all these sets them apart, but make spending time with their partner a priority. It will help them and their partner re-establish the relationship and sexual passion.
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Kissing the Partner: Kissing may make them feel aroused again and stimulate sexual activities that can help them maintain intimacy with their partner.
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Care: While the mother is breastfeeding, they are handling a lot of the hormonal changes, body needs, lack of sleep, and many more. This is when they need lots of support from their family, especially from their partner. The best way to handle all these things is to be honest with their partner about their needs. Even small gestures of love, care, and support can help develop their relationship with their partner.
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The Need to Take Care of Themselves: There might be times when they feel weak and too lazy to carry out small household activities. Even going to the bathroom may be a difficult task for them. However, some moderate exercise on advice from their doctor can make them feel active, desirable, and more passionate. Practicing regular exercise can boost their mental as well as sexual health.
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Share Love and Affection: They can share love in many other ways while healing. Talking, spending time together, kissing, hugging, and holding hands might be helpful for them.
Why Does Breastfeeding Feel So Good?
Breastfeeding feels so good due to the release of hormones. It is also called the feel-good hormone. It elevates the sexual pleasure. The factors that can give a pleasurable experience associated with breastfeeding are as follows:
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Oxytocin hormone release during breastfeeding creates an emotional connection between the mother and the baby.
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Prolactin hormone production is associated with the feeling of relaxation and milk production.
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The physical closeness during breastfeeding contributes to comfort and a sense of warmth.
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Endorphins are associated with the sense of pleasure.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding changes the body's hormone levels, which leads to sexual changes in many breastfeeding mothers. The release of oxytocin during sexual orgasm is also responsible for the let-down reflex when the baby sucks the nipples while breastfeeding. That is why it is common to experience a leak or squirt of breastmilk when sexually aroused. The production of breast milk is increased by prolactin hormone secretion, which again is responsible for causing a decrease in libido. People should consider a consultation with their healthcare professional if they are experiencing sexual changes that make them uncomfortable.
