Many new mothers experience a dip in libido after giving birth. While this is common, some women seek ways to boost their sex drive during the postpartum period. Libido pills promise to increase sexual desire, but are they safe to take while breastfeeding? In this article, we’ll explore libido pills, the potential risks of using them during lactation, and safer alternatives for nursing mothers.
Understanding About Libido Pills
Libido pills, also known as female arousal pills, aim to increase sex drive and enhance sexual pleasure in women. They contain a blend of botanicals and nutrients that may stimulate circulation, balance hormones, alleviate vaginal dryness, intensify sensation, and boost energy levels. Some common ingredients in libido supplements include maca, horny goat weed, L-arginine, Yohimbe, Tribulus Terrestris, ginger, and ginkgo biloba. The intended effects of these pills are to make women feel more “in the mood” for sex and heighten physical arousal.
While libido pills are marketed as natural supplements, their effects come with potential side effects and risks. As they alter hormone levels and blood flow, it’s important to assess their safety, particularly for breastfeeding mothers.
Risks Of Taking Libido Pills While Breastfeeding
While no studies have specifically examined libido pills and lactation, taking these supplements while nursing does come with possible concerns.
Here are some potential risks:
Transferring ingredients to breastmilk: The herbs, plant extracts, and compounds in libido pills could potentially transfer to breastmilk and reach your baby. Little research has been done on the safety of these complex blends for infants.
Impacting milk supply: Libido pills aim to alter hormone levels, which could interfere with prolactin and oxytocin, the hormones responsible for milk production. Any dip in the milk supply could be dangerous for the baby.
Side effects for mother: Libido pills can cause side effects like headaches, nausea, anxiety, abdominal pain, and sleep disturbances for the mother. Experiencing side effects while caring for a newborn can be difficult.
Unknown drug interactions: The ingredients may interact with medications the nursing mother is taking, including antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and birth control. These interactions are largely unknown.
Lack of regulation: Libido supplements are not regulated by the FDA and quality/safety standards vary widely across brands. Purity and dosage are concerns.
While the risks are not confirmed, lactation consultants and doctors often advise caution with libido pills while breastfeeding. The safety of your baby should come first. Always consult your physician before taking any new supplement while nursing.
Alternative Ways To Increase Libido While Breastfeeding
The good news is that nursing mothers can boost libido without libido pills. Here are some effective, natural alternatives:
✅Make sleep a priority: Fatigue and sleep deprivation are huge libido killers for new parents. Getting as much rest as possible can energize you and put you in the mood.
✅Discuss concerns with your partner: Communication is key. Share any anxieties or changes you’re experiencing so you can work through them together.
✅Set the mood: Light candles, put on music, or find other ways to create an atmosphere conducive to intimacy. Taking things slow and focusing on foreplay can also help.
✅Try sensual massage: Massages relax tension, increase blood flow, and get you feeling sensual. Incorporate aromatic oils to take the experience up a notch.
✅Stay active: Movement and exercise oxygenate the blood and release feel-good endorphins which boost libido. Start taking short walks daily.
✅Manage stress: Stress is a huge libido killer. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing daily to lower stress.
✅Communicate with your doctor: If libido issues persist, don’t hesitate to bring it up to your OB-GYN or healthcare provider. They can look into potential causes and solutions.
Conclusion
Boosting libido after the baby arrives often requires patience and experimentation. While libido pills promise a quick fix, they come with potential risks for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Prioritizing rest, reducing stress, staying active, communicating with your partner, and speaking to your doctor can help safely and naturally get your sex drive back on track. Nourishing your body and your relationship will have libido benefits that last far beyond the postpartum period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experts strongly recommend avoiding libido pills while breastfeeding. Libido issues are common after birth, and nursing mothers should focus on rest, self-care, and alternative libido boosters instead of supplements with unknown effects on the milk supply and the baby.
There are no libido pills specifically approved or recommended for breastfeeding mothers thus far. No libido supplements have been properly tested for safety and efficacy for postpartum women.
Ingredients that may be most concerning in libido pills while nursing includes Yohimbe (may cause low blood pressure, and heart problems), maca (impact on hormones), ginkgo biloba (possible blood thinning), horny goat weed (hormone changes), ginseng (hormone changes, sleep disruption), and dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA (hormone disruption). Always consult your doctor about any supplement.
Most women notice their libido beginning to return around 6-12 weeks postpartum, though it can take longer. Breastfeeding may delay the return of libido as well. Communicate with your doctor if low libido persists many months after birth.
There are no medications specifically approved to increase libido while breastfeeding. Your doctor may be able to prescribe low-dose antidepressants or other drugs that may potentially assist, but side effects would need to be carefully considered for both mother and baby. Always discuss options thoroughly with your healthcare provider.
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