When you’re pregnant or about to start breastfeeding, there are a lot of questions that may be on your mind. When is it safe to pump? How soon can I have sex again? When will I feel like having sex again? Your hormones are racing and you’ve got a baby to take care of. Your body is also going through a lot of changes during this time, while you are healing from delivering your child. We’ve outlined some tips, for the short term and the long term about breastfeeding and your sex life. Keep reading for what you might feel like and what is safe to do!
This Is How Breastfeeding Affects Your Sex Life
Right After Delivery
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no required waiting time for you to wait to have intercourse after delivery. However, most experts recommend that you wait anywhere from four to six weeks to have sex again. This is so your body can heal. Your breasts may feel large and engorged as well. While you can start whenever you want, the duties of a new parent may actually slow you down in the bedroom. This is all super normal!
After a Few Weeks
Even if you are ready to have sex again following birth, you may find that you have a decreased sex drive. This is due to the falling of your estrogen levels. Two other hormones, prolactin and oxytocin will rise as well, according to Healthline. This will have a different impact on your body. Prolactin and oxytocin may make you feel great pleasure from breastfeeding, so your emotional and physical intimacy needs will be met by your child. Your sex drive may decrease due to this. You might actually not feel the need to get affection from your partner.
In some cases, however, you may feel like the hormones are increasing your sex drive. After all, your breasts are an erogenous zone. Because of the hormones and sensations that are surging in your body, you might feel like you want to have sex like crazy. Regardless of which route you take, your libido may go in different directions for a period of time. Don’t worry! After some time, your sex drive will return to normal once again. Bonus fact: you may even leak or spray breast milk during orgasm!
Breastfeeding as Birth Control
Interestingly enough, breastfeeding may also act as a form of birth control if you use the lactational amenorrhea method or LAM. If you use it properly, breastfeeding can be up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy for the first six months post-baby delivery. But it’s pretty hard to do. In fact, only 26% of women met the crtieria for it, according to Healthline. You must be breastfeeding every four to six hours and solely breastfeed your infant, no formula or solid food will work. When you start getting your period, this method will be ineffective.
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