Does Nursing Increase the Mother’s Libido?

Nursing tends to lead to hormonal changes that can result in vaginal dryness and a lowered libido, says Katrina Pinkerton, a Connecticut-based lactation consultant. Other factors that can lower the sex drive include the physical and emotional fatigue of caring for a newborn. A nursing mother may also feel the need for space after being physically close with the baby all the time. “Libido tends to be higher when baby starts nursing less, and when the estrogen and progestin levels return to normal after baby is weaned,” Pinkerton notes, so you might notice your libido begin to rise at that point.

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