Regaining libido in the post-partum period is certainly a hot topic – whether or not it’s openly discussed between partners or with their care providers. Resuming physical intimacy is not typically achieved at the magical “6-week check-in,” but more often lags throughout the first 6-months post-partum, which can potentially be challenging for all parties involved.
The reasons for the continued decline in libido post-partum are multi-faceted – including hormonal changes, exhaustion, and generally feeling “touched out.” But a 2018 Australian study has drawn some new connections to help clarify:
1) As many women have claimed for decades, higher partner support predicts higher female sexual functioning (i.e., doing extra help around the house does indeed count as foreplay for post-partum women).
2) Peri-natal depression predicts lower levels of sexual functioning, regardless of anti-depressant use (i.e., noting the impact of depression on sexual functioning – so both Mom and her partner understand – should be a key part of post-partum care).
3) Breast-feeding did contribute to lower sexual functioning at 6 months, but not afterward (i.e. during the more intensive months of breast-feeding, when hormones would be more affected, a post-partum woman is more likely to have a lack of libido)
Libido and sexual functioning post-partum is a sensitive but highly important discussion for care providers to initiate with new mothers and their partners, so that all sides understand the various complex issues at play.
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information in your pregnancy, sign up for my free webinar: 7 Pregnancy Myths Debunked – and get the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy and a thriving baby.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your pregnant patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
Disclaimer: The information and content provided is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Please consult the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for full details.
References:
Galbally, M. et al. (2018). Depression across pregnancy and the postpartum, antidepressant use and the association with female sexual function. Psychological Function, 2018.