Why new mothers often have low libido

YOU have just given birth and suddenly, there is no interest in s3x again. What could be responsible? It's important to understand why a new mother has lost interest or can't have s3x, and here are four plausible explanations.

Fatigue

Tiredness is a key factor – being a new mother is physically and emotionally draining on so many levels.

However, for the mother, being clung to all day with no extra hands to take the load can result in sensory overload. She can feel claustrophobic and wanting to repel anyone in their space. Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression

Affects 1 in 10 women. Research has found up to one in 25 new fathers become depressed after having a baby.

The symptoms can be far-reaching and may include feelings of guilt, hopelessness, self-blame, apathy and loss of appetite. Postnatal depression can affect both women and men and the effects can also impact a new mother's libido.

The physical impact of childbirth may seem like stating the obvious, but it's worth mentioning that some women's childbirth experience takes a substantial physical toll.

Most women who have a vaginal birth will experience some perineal trauma. Many women's experience of childbirth has a huge physical impact.

The most common reasons are from haemorrhoids and/or stitches for perineal repair of either a vaginal/perineal tear or repair of an episiotomy (a surgical incision of the perineum to allow delivery). Healing times vary – as the deeper the tear or cut, the longer it may take to heal.

Breastfeeding

The human body is a genius construct, but there are some caveats. A mother's breasts begin to gear up for feeding their baby as soon as she's pregnant. Immediately after birth, she produces colostrum, which is a concentrated, creamy-looking, high-protein, low-fat substance, which is all a baby needs in their first three days of life.

Her body is geared towards feeding her baby – and also preventing pregnancy from happening too soon after birth Nature continues to produce a hormone which a) ensures milk production b) act as a contraceptive so pregnancy does not occur again too soon and c) dampens mum's libido.

It's perfectly normal, and in addition to this dip in s3x-drive, she may also be experiencing vaginal dryness, which would make intercourse painful.