QUESTION: I'm concerned.
Now that the baby is here things don't seem the same as before.
Does breast feeding affect marital relations?
ANSWER: Having a baby affects every aspect of one's life, including the relationship of marriage.
Pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a young infant are physically and emotionally demanding.
Breast feeding an infant can add an extra burden to the mother because of the energy involved, and it can create some conflicts because of the intimacy it creates between mother and child. The breasts are traditionally the husband's "territory," and some men are uncomfortable with sharing their wife in this way with a tiny stranger, even though the little one is a welcome addition to the family.
It is also very common for the new father to want to share the special closeness that the mother and the baby share. Some women feel uneasy about the normal, reflex sexual arousal that occurs when the baby sucks on the nipple.
The reflex is purely physical, but it can be disquieting to a new mother. Whether to breast or bottle feed is an individual decision that each couple should make for themselves.
Family, friends, society, physicians and nurses will influence the decision, but the couple should decide for themselves what is best for their baby and what works best for them.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
