From the Research
Yes, climax (orgasm) is generally safe during breastfeeding. Sexual activity, including orgasm, does not harm your baby or affect your milk supply negatively. During orgasm, your body releases oxytocin, the same hormone involved in milk letdown, which might cause some milk leakage during sexual activity 1. Some women may experience uterine contractions during orgasm, which is normal and not harmful. You might notice increased breast sensitivity while breastfeeding, so communicating with your partner about comfort levels is important. If you're concerned about milk leakage during intimacy, you can feed your baby or pump before sexual activity, or wear a bra with nursing pads. There's no need to wait a specific amount of time after orgasm before breastfeeding your baby. Maintaining a healthy intimate relationship while breastfeeding is completely normal and beneficial for your overall wellbeing.
Key points to consider:
- Oxytocin release during orgasm may cause milk leakage, but this does not affect milk supply or harm the baby 1.
- Breastfeeding and sexual activity, including orgasm, are not directly related to each other in terms of safety or milk supply 2.
- The most recent and highest quality study on breastfeeding and hormonal contraception suggests that progestin-only contraceptive methods are safe for breastfeeding patients, but combined hormonal contraception may have low-quality evidence supporting concerns of decreased milk supply 2.
- The effects of breastfeeding on ovulation and fertility are well-documented, but these do not directly impact the safety of climax during breastfeeding 3.
Overall, the available evidence suggests that climax during breastfeeding is safe and does not negatively impact the baby or milk supply. It is essential to prioritize a healthy and fulfilling intimate relationship while breastfeeding, as this benefits overall wellbeing.