In the Philippines, breastfeeding women have a more active sex life than other young mothers. A phenomenon that would not be observed in Western countries.
At the birth of a child and especially during breastfeeding, the mother’s sexual desire decreases. This normal and almost unavoidable phase is partly linked to hormonal changes, fatigue, a certain apprehension… Faced with these upheavals, each woman adapts differently to her new role as mother and lover, as shown by a American study published this Tuesday in Human Nature.
little divorce
According to the work of Michelle Escasa-Dorne, an anthropologist at the University of Colorado, young Filipina mothers have more sexual relations with their partners after childbirth than before pregnancy. This observation, which may seem surprising, would be a “survival” strategy deployed by the mother to keep her partner close to her and her newborn.
A phenomenon that would not be observed in Western countries. Many studies show, in fact, that young mothers devote themselves to their newborns and neglect fathers during the first weeks.
The American researcher then wanted to know if these maternal tendencies took place in non-Western countries where divorce rates are very low. 260 women aged between 18 and 35 participated in this study. Among them, 155 women were breastfeeding. A large majority of the participants were married, they had all studied and had between 2 and 3 children. The questionnaires focused on their sex life, their returns, the quality and dedication in their relationship.
Better relationship
It appears that lactating women who return to menstruation report having a more active sex life and appear to be more devoted. According to Michelle Escasa-Dorne, greater sexuality after pregnancy would therefore be a way to maintain a satisfying and fulfilling relationship in which the child will be raised well.
“Although breastfeeding women do not ask for a report, they respond to the advances of their spouses. Maintaining this relationship can be important if the partner is beneficial to the relationship and is a good parent,” says Michelle Escasa-Dorne in summarizing this strategy. This specialist suggests that cultural norms may have influenced participants’ responses.
