Tips to Make Sex More Comfortable During Breastfeeding
QUESTION
Dear Fitness Expert,
I breastfeed my 14-month-old baby. Ever since my baby born by c-section, I have pain during sex. I went to doctor and she said I have infection. She froze it and gave me some ointment. I am a little better.
I have read that during the time you breastfeed the vagina isn't so well lubricated. Can you suggest ways of compensating that won't be harmful to the baby?
ANSWER
I applaud you for breastfeeding and hope, for the sake of your child, that you continue. Breastfeeding will help ensure that your child has better immunity to childhood illnesses, allergies, asthma and bronchitis. Breastfeeding will also help retract your vagina and stomach.
But sometimes, despite the doctors permission to have sex, it is painful. Many women feel that they should have sex with their partners to "resume their normal relationship" but you must ask your partner to be patient and give you a little more time.
There are products on the market that you can use to add moisture so that penetration is not so painful. Move slowly, have sex only when you are ready and stop if it is painful. If the pain continues, return to your doctor and ask about such ointments.
-- Alex
Alexandra Allred
Alexandra Allred is a former member of the US Women's Bobsled team, is an accomplished martial artist, and continues to teach kickboxing while juggling her career as a full-time writer and mother of three. She has interviewed hundreds of athletes, models, actresses, trainers, doctors, and health/fitness experts as she sought to find answers to her own questions about working out while pregnant, arranging breast-feeding around a training schedule, diet when pregnant and breastfeeding, and encouraging her whole family.
Alex is the author of ten books, including Atta Girl! A Celebration of Women in Sports and Entering the Mother Zone: Balancing Self, Health & Family. We're excited to have her on board!
