Of course, trying to heal while also caring for your newborn is a full-time job, and balancing this new title of “Mom” might include temporarily putting some other things on the back burner…like postpartum SEX! While some women are okay with this, you might find yourself wondering, “Why don’t I want sex anymore? Is low sex drive in women normal post-baby? What’s wrong with me?” Sigh. For starters, there’s nothing wrong with you! It is common to experience a decreased sex drive after having a baby. One study involving postpartum women showed that 20% had little to no desire for sex after birth, and another 21% had a complete loss of desire for sexual activities (McKain). The good news is; however, most women report that this loss of sex drive is temporary. With time, patience, and some natural libido-boosting tips, you and your spouse can build a healthy and happy sex life again! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here.
Why We Experience a Dip in Libido After Having a Baby
Hmm, let’s see, well, your life has just been turned upside down with the responsibility of caring for this tiny human! New moms are adjusting to their new role as mothers, spending their days wiping bottoms, feeding, and washing clothes soaked in spit-up. So it’s no wonder that there doesn’t seem to be a “sexy” vibe in the air at home! When it comes down to the question of, “WHY am I feeling so NOT interested in sex?” you’ll be pleased to know that several factors contribute to these feelings.
Let’s Get Those Hormone Levels Checked
Before we dive into some natural libido-boosting tips, it would be in your best interest to make an appointment with a healthcare provider so they can check your hormone levels. Physical causes, such as hormonal imbalance, might be the underlying cause of this loss in libido! Furthermore, if you are experiencing lingering pain or other postpartum complications, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to chat about things!
Natural Ways to Increase Sex Drive Post Baby
First things first, don’t rush things! It took you nine months to grow your beautiful baby, so allow yourself the same amount of time for your body to heal and return back to normal. Then, when you are ready to be intimate again, remember, the goal isn’t to get back to the “old you”; it’s to figure out who you are now! Now let’s talk about specific ways you can try to increase your sex drive naturally. The bottom line is, if you don’t feel up for resuming your normal sex life right away, give yourself some grace! Both you and your partner need time to adjust to caring for your brand new baby, both physically and mentally! Remember that there is no need to rush in between the sheets before you both feel ready. But don’t worry, in time, postpartum sex can be just as satisfying (sometimes, even more, 😉) as sex was pre-baby. You will get there!
Sources: Gambelin, A. (2021, July 22). Mother.ly. “It’s science: This is why many postpartum moms don’t feel like having sex.” Kerner, I. Babycenter. “What’s the best way to get my sex drive back after having a baby?”. Marple, K. (2021, February 8). Babycenter. “Let’s talk about sex: After the baby.” Mawer, R. (2016, May 20). Healthline. “8 Proven Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally”. McKain, L. J. Babycenter. “Is it normal not to want sex after having a baby?”. Mugisha, E. (2020, August 25). MamaMend. “What to do about a low sex drive after childbirth.” Pallarito, K. (2021, September 20). What To Expect. “Low Libido Postpartum.” Sloan, C. WebMD. “Get Your Sex Life Back After Baby.”
