Pregnancy, childbirth, and becoming a mother can all have an effect on a woman’s sexual function. Breastfeeding may also impact a woman’s sex life. While past studies have shown conflicting results on whether breastfeeding has an overall positive or negative effect on one’s sex life, the following are some of the ways in which it may have an impact.

Changes in hormone levels.

After giving birth, a woman’s estrogen levels drop, and her prolactin levels rise. Women who breastfeed maintain elevated prolactin levels and decreased estrogen and progesterone levels. Lower estrogen levels can lead to less vaginal lubrication as well as a reduced sex drive. Vaginal dryness can cause painful intercourse (dyspareunia). (Vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, and topical estrogen can help alleviate postpartum vaginal dryness, so speak with your OB-GYN if this is an issue for you).

On the other hand, breastfeeding also increases oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that causes relaxed, happy feelings. It is well known for its roles in both orgasm and labor as it facilitates contractions of the uterus. Elevated levels of oxytocin are good for a woman’s sexual functioning.

Whether the changes in a woman’s hormone levels improve or worsen her sex life, these effects will likely continue until she stops breastfeeding her baby.

Changes in body and self-image.

Breastfeeding causes physical changes in a woman’s body as well. The breasts become larger and more sensitive, and they may be prone to leaking milk. Some women view these changes as positive and feel more desirable to their partners. Others feel self-conscious about the changes in their bodies. They may worry about leaking milk during sex, especially if their partner touches their breasts. If this is a concern, it is a good idea for the woman to breastfeed before sexual activity and/or ask her partner to refrain from touching her breasts.

Changes in energy levels and priorities.

New parents, especially breastfeeding mothers, must devote a lot of time and energy to their baby. The responsibility of caring for and feeding a baby every day may contribute to fatigue, stress, and a lack of interest in sex. Additionally, some women who breastfeed report that the act fulfills their need for human closeness and intimacy, so they may not rely on their partners for these things in the short term.

Overall impact.

Breastfeeding impacts women on a hormonal, psychical, and psychological level, so it is natural that it can also affect their sexuality. One study of 315 women with newborn babies about 6 weeks after childbirth showed that there was a statistically significant association between breastfeeding and not resuming vaginal intercourse.

Of the 181 participants who were breastfeeding, about two-thirds (111) had not resumed intercourse at the time of the study. Conversely, only about one-third (56/134) of the women who were not breastfeeding had not resumed intercourse.

However breastfeeding affects sexual function, the result is temporary and likely to change once a woman discontinues breastfeeding. Still, it is important to speak with your partner if you have concerns or doubts about sexual activity during this period of time.

References:

• Malakoti, J., Zamanzadeh, V., Maleki, A., & Farshbaf Khalili, A. (2013). Sexual Function in Breastfeeding Women in Family Health Centers of Tabriz, Iran. Journal of Caring Sciences, 2(2), 141–146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5681/jcs.2013.017
  
  
• Rowland, M., Foxcroft, L., Hopman, W. M., & Patel, R. (2005). Breastfeeding and sexuality immediately post-partum. Canadian Family Physician, 51(10), 1366-1367. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1479788/