Here’s something that is a clear trend in the women that I work with (who are working on improving their health in the years after birth)...it’s low libido.
Libido, sex drive - this can take a serious hit after having a baby.
Let’s talk about why and what you can do about that.
Studies have shown that 64-83% of women reported issues with intimacy in the first 6 months after birth.
For depleted, exhausted moms, this can definitely be a huge issue that persists well beyond that time frame.
Reasons being:
Pelvic floor issues
Feeling disconnected from your partner
Shifts in your identity after birth
Trauma or emotions tied to birth
Hormone imbalance
All of these (and more) can contribute to the issue!
Here are three suggestions to improve your libido:
If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort or burning with sex - see a healthcare provider or pelvic floor physiotherapist to address physical symptoms and issues.
Start carving out time to connect with your partner in ways that DON’T involve sex. Start with 5-10 minutes or just cuddling and talking, have a shower together or find a way to speak to their love language.
Work on balancing your hormones. After a baby is born, your hormones (especially estrogen and progesterone) plummet. Until they return to normal levels, you may find it difficult to even consider sex because your body is being told that it needs to recover, and restore first! With a hormone imbalance a mom is going to feel tired and not necessarily feeling great in her body or about herself. Combine this with hormones associated with breastfeeding - moms often have less of a need to connect with her partner.
Hormone imbalance and depletion can last years after birth if not addressed and corrected. To achieve healthy hormones? You need to support the healing and rebalancing of your body through a whole body approach - nutrition is absolutely essential, practices to calm your nervous system and lifestyle approaches.
Hope this helps.
Warmly,
Amy
Your Dietitian Doula
P.S. - If you struggle with low libido, energy and mood swings…I can help you balance your body. Contact me to learn how I can help.
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