Does Breastfeeding affect your libido?

[Newbiehere123]

I have always been sexually active, however since the birth of my son 15 months ago, I feel nothing. Nothing gets me in the mood. I've probably had sex 4 times since DS was born and it felt really rough and didn't enjoy it. At first I thought it was down to being tired but now, DS is sleeping better but I don't feel like having sex at all. I'm still breastfeeding and planning to stop in the next couple of months.

I feel as if me and DH husband are more like roommates than husband & wife. DH doesn't feel like it too mainly because of me and has stopped attempting to get intimate with me months ago.

Have you ever experienced this before while breastfeeding? Did it get better after breastfeeding? Does your libido ever come back?

Yes absolutely. It eases off with weaning. But although I have stopped, breasts are still off the sexual menu.

I feel you! We generally have sex every couple of weeks still but If i don't think about it it can be longer. Breastfeeding my 17 month old and I honestly feel sometimes its just another thing I have to share my body with someone. I love my partner and miss the intimacy like we used to have but equally atm sometimes I just need to have my own space without sharing it with anyone if that makes sense.

@Firenight I'm so happy to hear this. I honestly thought there was something wrong with me and be like this forever🙏

@Parmavioletmum that's how I feel too. Lately I've been going to bed an hour later than DH so I don't have to do it. I really don't know how to say it but I really don't feel womanly at all and have lost confidence in myself, my appearance and all the aspects that I once had that men used to find appealing. I just feel like a bloke 😭

Yep, was never horny while bf. (But bf could make me feel like I was in a pos-orgasm daze and baby could make that last for several hours - still miss it!!)

It’s normal. How many breastfeeding animals do you see mating? Zero.

Not to distract from the original question, but animals do mate while 'breastfeeding '. Cows and cats for example!

Have you ever experienced this before while breastfeeding? Did it get better after breastfeeding? Does your libido ever come back?

Yes, yes and yes.
Don't worry it will definitely come back. Bf makes you dryer so if you want to have a try do use a nice lube.
This is just a short time in your whole relationship, just roll with it.

Breast feeding didn't entirely stop things, but I'm normally very turned on by having them touched, whereas they at the time became all about feed, nurturing and totally non- sexual as being used for a higher purpose in a way.
If you say the times it's occurred it felt rough, that's understandable, your body has been through a lot and your mind will be in loving mode, so maybe it would help to express to your DH how a gentle approach would currently be better. Although breastfeeding is good for baby, I think there is a balance to be struck as it can impact on other things. I initially felt sad at the idea of having to stop after 5 months due to going back to work, but then almost euphoric about the independence it suddenly gave me - actually getting round a supermarket shop without leaking everywhere at the checkout, bliss lol.

When I was breastfeeding my first, ( for just over a year) breasts were definitely off the menu and I don't think we had lots of sex, somewhere during breastfeeding my second ( which I did for longer) it suddenly became a
big turn on for my DH to play with and stimulate my boobs which was both weird and fun, I kind of miss it now I've stopped feeding.
I can't put my finger on what changed but just to say it's not set in stone either way.

I’m really glad to read some of these replies. I’m still breastfeeding at 14 months but only twice a day and my periods have returned, so I assumed that meant my hormones were back to normal and I should have some sex drive again (I don’t). It’s good to know all isn’t lost.