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Is low libido normal during breastfeeding?

Many women experience low libido during breastfeeding because of the hormonal changes that occur during this time. However, there is no need to worry if this occurs to you. Low libido when breastfeeding is normal and affects most nursing moms. 

Most women will eventually return to their regular level of sexual desire when they have adjusted to the new hormonal environment. There are a few things that can help ease the transition, such as engaging in other activities that are enjoyable and cosying up to your partner.

Let’s take a deep dive:

What do you mean by low libido?

Low libido is a condition where you experience a lack of sex drive.  There are a number of symptoms associated with low libido, including a lack of interest in sex, a lack of energy, a decrease in sexual performance, and a decrease in sexual pleasure.

Cut yourself some slack and accept that’s how you feel at the moment.

I'd Rather Eat Chocolate: Learning to Love My Low LibidoCheck it out on Amazon

Is low libido normal during breastfeeding?

Post-partum low libido occurs commonly among all new moms. However, moms who breastfed were more likely to be affected and were more likely to delay resuming having sex compared to moms who didn’t breastfeed.

This is mostly due to the combined effects of the hormone prolactin, which is produced in high levels when a woman is nursing, and the stress of taking care of a newborn. Low libido can also be caused by sleep deprivation, fatigue, and postpartum depression.

Read more about how breastfeeding affects your sex hormones.

Can you increase libido while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding actually affects our sex hormones in a way that makes our body think we are in menopause. It’s nature’s way of protecting our baby. So, are we doomed to a sexless marriage until we stop breastfeeding?

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways we can fan our interest in sex. Female libido is complex and is influenced by a host of factors. Hormonal imbalance is just one spoke in the wheel.

There are quite a few ways to deal with low libido during breastfeeding, many of which are entirely in our control. Even if you take mini breaks more often to ‘smell the flowers’, it’s a step forward.

You can also try natural libido enhancers but you need to make sure they are safe to take when breastfeeding.

Dark chocolate is definitely a safe aphrodisiac:

Theo Chocolate Pure Organic Dark Chocolate Bar, 85% Cacao, 12 Pack | Vegan, Fair TradeCheck it out on Amazon

Further reading: How to get your sex drive back while breastfeeding.

Will your libido return after breastfeeding?

If your low libido is primarily due to hormonal imbalances, stopping breastfeeding will see your sex drive bouncing back within a few weeks. However, it is more likely that your sex drive is affected by the culmination of many different mental, emotional and physical factors.

If the other factors play a major part in your apathy towards sex, stopping breastfeeding will not improve your libido.

How long after breastfeeding does libido come back?

Many women report that their libido returns within a few weeks to a few months after they stop breastfeeding. However, if there are other factors at play, it will take longer until these other issues are resolved.

The majority of women find their sexual desire improving as their baby takes up less energy and time. However, if the issues affecting your sex drive is more deep seated, like body image issues or lack of sexual confidence, you might need more help to deal with the problems.

Further reading: Regaining your sexual confidence and feeling sexy again after kids.

To wrap up

It’s normal, almost expected, for your libido to be low during breastfeeding. This is due to the many changes that your body undergoes during labor and while breastfeeding. However, if your libido is persistently low or you are worried about it, please consult your doctor.

Sharon James

5 thoughts on “Is low libido normal during breastfeeding?”

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