I just read the newest issue of Readers Digest, an article named "7
solutions for sexual problems" lays the blame for a decreased libido on,
you guessed it, breastfeeding. Paraphrased, it states that, "prolactin
curbs the urge to merge", "after 7 months of nursing my son, I was ready
to wean him.  Sure enough, my sex drive roared back to life.  My husband
was never so grateful". The author, Ginny Graves, from American Health,
apparently feels that her own personal sexual difficulties fall into the
category of medical news fit for publication.  No where in the article
are the benefits of breastfeeding mentioned, nor any reference to the
baby being ready to wean.  Her husband is apparently concerned only with
his own sexual needs being met, regardless of the needs of his child.  I
am continually astonished at the selfishness so many parents indulge
in.  Does anyone care about the baby in this scenario?  Additionally,
the author lists both depression and antidepressants as major problems
for women suffering from sexual problems.  Of course, no mention about
how breastfeeding can help reduce depression in postpartum women, thus
reducing or eliminating her need for antidepressants.  Such ignorance in
a medical writer, for shame.


--

Denny Rice, RN, IBCLC
Dallas Texas USA

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