Sexuality & Breastfeeding: What Do You Know?

Sexual functioning in the postpartum period has been examined in the literature, but does not seem to be commonly discussed among practitioners. Clinicians involved in the care of pregnant and postpartum women may be unaware of how childbirth and breastfeeding influence sexual health; this could leave patients uninformed about potential changes that could affect their sexual functioning post-delivery. There is evidence that breastfeeding specifically elicits changes in sexuality. With the increased emphasis on breastfeeding in hospitals and society, all nurses should have a basic understanding about sexuality, and should provide teaching about this to their patients. This review discusses major sexual changes associated with breastfeeding, including specific hormonal and physical changes, as well as strategies for discussing issues of sexuality with patients. Examples are provided to help nurses initiate discussion about sexuality, breastfeeding, and sexual changes during the postpartum period.

[1]  C. Rubertsson,et al.  Tears in the vagina, perineum, sphincter ani, and rectum and first sexual intercourse after childbirth: a nationwide follow-up. , 2008, Birth.

[2]  M. Williamson,et al.  An Australian perspective of fatherhood and sexuality. , 2008, Midwifery.

[3]  T. Gerda,et al.  Women's perception of sexuality during pregnancy and after birth , 2006 .

[4]  L. Krebs.  What should I say? Talking with patients about sexuality issues. , 2006, Clinical journal of oncology nursing.

[5]  S. Callahan,et al.  Fatigue and Breastfeeding: An Inevitable Partnership? , 2006, Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association.

[6]  E. Petru,et al.  Women's perception of sexuality during pregnancy and after birth. , 2006, The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology.

[7]  W. Hopman,et al.  Breastfeeding and sexuality immediately post partum. , 2005, Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien.

[8]  J. Thorp,et al.  Effects of pregnancy and childbirth on postpartum sexual function: a longitudinal prospective study , 2005, International Urogynecology Journal.

[9]  M. Gott,et al.  "Opening a can of worms": GP and practice nurse barriers to talking about sexual health in primary care. , 2004, Family practice.

[10]  Marlene Z. Cohen,et al.  Using the BETTER Model to assess sexuality. , 2004, Clinical journal of oncology nursing.

[11]  B. Gorzalka,et al.  Breastfeeding and Postpartum Maternal Sexual Functioning: A Review , 2003 .

[12]  M. McCabe,et al.  Psychological factors and the sexuality of pregnant and postpartum women , 2002, Journal of sex research.

[13]  P. Saha.  Breastfeeding and Sexuality: Professional Advice Literature from the 1970s to the Present , 2002, Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education.

[14]  K. von Sydow.  Sexual enjoyment and orgasm postpartum: Sex differences and perceptual accuracy concerning partners' sexual experience , 2002, Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology.

[15]  L. Signorello,et al.  Postpartum sexual functioning and its relationship to perineal trauma: a retrospective cohort study of primiparous women. , 2001, American journal of obstetrics and gynecology.

[16]  M. Avery,et al.  The experience of sexuality during breastfeeding among primiparous women. , 2000, Journal of midwifery & women's health.

[17]  R. Irwin.  Treatments for patients with sexual problems. , 2000, Professional nurse.

[18]  K. Jackson.  Women, men, breast-feeding and sexuality , 2000 .

[19]  G. Barrett,et al.  Women's sexual health after childbirth , 2000, BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology.

[20]  K. V. Sydow.  Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: A metacontent analysis of 59 studies , 1999 .

[21]  C. Guthrie.  Nurses' perceptions of sexuality relating to patient care. , 1999, Journal of clinical nursing.

[22]  V. Polomeno.  An Independent Study Continuing Education Program—Sex and Breastfeeding: An Educational Perspective , 1999, Journal of Perinatal Education.

[23]  K. von Sydow.  Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: a metacontent analysis of 59 studies. , 1999, Journal of psychosomatic research.

[24]  R. Alteneder,et al.  Addressing couples' sexuality concerns during the childbearing period: use of the PLISSIT model. , 1997, Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNN.

[25]  C. Glazener.  Sexual function after childbirth: women's experiences, persistent morbidity and lack of professional recognition , 1997, British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology.

[26]  N. Levasseur,et al.  Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession , 1995 .

[27]  E. McKinney,et al.  Foundations of maternal-newborn nursing , 1994 .

[28]  V. Wall,et al.  Supporting the Father When an Infant is Breastfed , 1993, Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association.

[29]  J. Riordan,et al.  Breastfeeding and Human Lactation , 1993 .

[30]  J. Annon.  The PLISSIT Model: A Proposed Conceptual Scheme for the Behavioral Treatment of Sexual Problems , 1976 .