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- $Unique_ID{BRK00208}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Does Breast Feeding Affect Marital Relations?}
- $Subject{breast feeding nursing marital relations Pregnancy Childbirth
- relationship marriage physically emotionally demanding burden conflicts
- intimacy uncomfortable sharing special closeness share uneasy reflex sexual
- arousal suckle infant sucks nipple}
- $Volume{K-19, S-23}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Does Breast Feeding Affect Marital Relations?
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- QUESTION: I'm concerned. Now that the baby is here things don't seem the
- same as before. Does breast feeding affect marital relations?
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- 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.
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- 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.
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