my question is not directly related to NBE;but rather to sexual sensation in breasts after experiencing lactation.
after having gone through the lactation process, i am dismayed to discover that my formerly highly responsive (albeit, very tiny) breasts no longer swell etc. upon sexual stimulation. i am no longer able to orgasm as it was this sensation alone which seems to have been enabling it.
what have your experiences been? is there any hope for once again feeling sexual and responsive in the breast area, or is it a thing of the past? i am very depressed. i hope no one minds me asking this question here; i have been unable to find answers elsewhere. any imput or advice would be highly valued.

Dear worried,

I have 3 children, ages 8 (breastfed for 6.5 months), 5 (nursed for 17 months), and 2 (nursed for 17 months). For me, nursing has not diminished the sensations of pleasure. Whether nursing babies when they (the breasts) were larger, or after lactation after they had shrunk, the sensations were almost always there and my husband has been very appreciative of them, no matter if I was feeling like a dairy cow or a flattened pancake. Sometimes, when I felt the most unattractive or sexual was when I was nursing, but I had to work on changing my mindset and actually brainwash myself into feeling sexy (during "personal" time with the hubby) and it did work (though it was work). It has often been said that the "largest sexual organ is the mind." It has taken personal experience and a wonderful, patient husband to get to the stage we are in. After 12 years of marriage and nursing 3 children, I can say that sexually, I feel probably better now than I did before we had children. Just be patient with yourself and maybe talk to your partner/husband, if you can, about your feelings. Maybe he can help by being more attentive to you and your needs (help with housework, baby, meals, anything) and that kind of encouragement helped me feel more romantic and relaxed. Best wishes on getting back to "normal" (is there such a thing after children!?!)

No worries!!!

I have nursed 2 babies (12+ months) each and I did lose sensation after nursing. BUT, it always came back. (months maybe, it wasn't right away)

Give your body time to go back to "normal" if you will, and it should be fine.

I have two kids nursed the first one for 8months and the second one for 7months. I have to say that before nursing, I had no stimulation from the "girls" ever.........they just didn't work. Then while nursing, during the first three months I couldn't stand them touched after that they were very....ummmm.......responsive. Once I stopped nursing, they went dead again........After my second one, they stayed resonsive for longer, and then went dead......Once I got off birth control about a year after nursing (snip snip for dh), they are super sensitive and very responsive, but they don't swell, just are.......golly I don't know........responsive:-). I have never had them like this even while pregnant. My youngest is now 5, and it took until he was almost 2 before they became responsive.

I do have to agree that the mind is a powerful thing.......I think it has alot to do with it. It sounds gross, or sick, but I would suggest maybe massegin them here and there and seeing if that makes a difference, or trying some of the various breast creams to see if that helps. I know mine feel good after a nice massage.......you could always incorporate others into helping with it......if you catch my drift.........

I wouldn't give up hope, if they responded before, they might just need a break before they can respond again.

dear friends!
your kind, encouraging, honest replies have been comforting. i want to sincerely thank each of you who has so far responded to my query. hugs all around.
a question re. massage. i have tried massaging a bit since weaning a month ago, but discovered it caused pain in my breasts and also seemed to stimulate prolactin production -at least they swelled up again somewhat for a week or so... but then went back down. i agree- before this lactating business, i massaged a lot and had been very pleased with the results- but now i am wondering how long i must wait until resuming if i'm going to start producing milk over and over again? sigh.
well- i am anxious to hear from as many women as possible- please kindly share your experiences with me!
this forum is amazing!

i was 19 when i started having children and breastfeeding, i (being young and naive) never even considered my nipples being connected to sexual arousal. until i experienced letdown. and then i guess they just woke up. they are way more tender and sensitive now. the last time i breastfed was a year and a half ago. but maybe u have some mental block against them being used to feed an nurture and also for sexual pleasure?

yes, i think it's because i am 37- so i've had lots of time to get acquainted with every little nuance of my breasts sexually and otherwise- now it's much harder for me to adapt to the changes than for those who started at a younger age. by 37 one is naturally more in tune with one's body -in fact i only really became truly connected in the past five or so years.
but at any rate- i hope that things will gradually return more or less to normal for me as well. you all give me some rays of hope at least.

I breast fed 2 girls and my boobs took a real beating, It doesnt mention in your thread how old you are ??? i dont think. I found by taking nbe herbs as part of my sex drive went up (a side effect of nbe sometimes ) my breast began to get incredibly sensetive and i really only used to get that at certain times of the month or even year so that was a bonus also that affect lubrication which can also be an accosiated problem when we cant get aroused, tiredness oh boy !!! also plays a big part in it and yes i totally agree with the girls that the mind is probably the main factor !!!! If youd like any suggestions re herbs please let me know love jelly...

I can't remember for sure but I think there was a post back beg. of the yearish that said something about waiting a good 6 months after nursing before starting NBE because of the whole milk production thing. If you get a chance maybe search back through there using the search button. Thats the only advice I can suggest, maybe someone else will know for sure.

If you are only a month out of nursing, I would hold off on heavy message..........I just meant some light massage........more for stimulation then anything *wink*. Your body is going to take a while before its completly back to normal........

If I come across the answer, I'll post it.

I too have breastfed 3 children for approx. 12 months each and I agree with Jelly that your boobs take a real beating. I finished breastfeeding my youngest son about 12 months ago and was told by my doctor that it can take up to 12 or 18 months for the milk to totally dry up. I have just started on Wonderup a week ago. I even made some initial enquiries about implants and was told not to make an appointment to see the surgeon until 12 months after I had finished weaning. Thankfully I found this forum and with all the tips and information from everyone I feel this is the way to go. As for sensation, my boobs are much more sensitive now than they ever were b4 having children. Hang in there, it takes time for things to settle back down after breastfeeding !!!