Is it Safe to have Sex while Breastfeeding?
A few common myths and questions:
Will there be time for my husband and I to be alone together? Absolutely! Remember that that there are two of you and one of your baby. You can put your minds together and find the time and place to be with your partner. You may find that you need to consider being more open about the place and timing, but where there is a will there is a way.
Can sexual foreplay affect my milk? No. Don’t worry about passing on germs from your partner to your baby with your nipples. Your baby is already exposed to the family germs and there are also special glands in your nipples to help them remain clean and germ free during nursing. Breastfeeding does not make your breasts off limits to your partner but they will need to be more aware that your breasts may be ore sensitive and tender, particularly when you are engorged.
How will breastfeeding affect my sexual desire? This is something that varies from woman to woman so there is no common answer. Generally breastfeeding does not directly affect your levels of sexual desire. There are usually other stronger influences in your life that will cause your feelings to shift.
What about feeling “touched out”? There are sometimes when after holding and being near your baby all day that you need some time by yourself. The annoyance you feel when your partner approaches is called being “touched out” A little bit of time to yourself or some tough from your partner where you are receiving instead of giving can help relieve this feeling. Be sure to keep an open and honest dialogue with your partner.
