What happens to your sex life after giving birth?

A new baby is always a life changer, so expect adjustments in your sex life as well. Many men still think that when a woman comes home from the hospital, they can get right to it. Well, that’s expecting too much. If this does happen, the new mother risks serious infection and it could aggravate post-delivery wounds.

Childbirth takes a lot from a woman’s body. A vaginal birth strains, tears and bruises delicate genital tissues. It can take weeks, sometimes months, before going back to normal. If it was a c-section, the trauma of surgery also requires time to heal.

Add to this, hormones and emotional upheavals. Oh and let’s not forget, the demands of caring for a baby. But like any period of transition, this too shall pass. What’s the best way to handle this transition and rekindle the fire? Read on to find out.

Doctors advice couples to wait until after a woman’s 6-week post-partum check-up before attempting intercourse. If all goes well in the exam, and doctor says there’s no reason to abstain any longer, then proceed. But do so with caution, and keep expectations in check. It may take awhile, but we have a few tips for revving up your stalled sex life.

Don’t Rush It

Even with the doctor’s go ahead, a new mother may still not be in the mood. If this is the case, relax mama! There’s nothing wrong with you. Your wounds may be healed but penetration can still hurt. For some lucky women, 6 weeks is enough to get their sexy back on. For others, the soreness may take a few more months to go away.

After delivery, estrogen levels drop, taking down with it lubrication and sexual desire. If you are breast feeding, estrogen levels remain low until the baby is weaned. Husbands should understand this and take it slow. You may also want to practice some creativity with your bedroom moves.

Sexual Healing

Intercourse need not be the end-all-and-be-all of sex during this healing phase. Mama may need extra kissing, necking, fondling and climax can be reached with clitoral stimulation. Papa can get his release with oral sex. Explore parts of each other’s bodies. Discover new erogenous zones. It’s possible this improves your sex life in the long run, like it has for many couples who went through the same phase.

Lubricate

When you’re ready to penetrate, make sure to lubricate! Like we had mentioned, a few months after giving birth, women tend to be dry down there. You can ease sex along with a good lubricant like Astroglide. Summer’s Eve makes a feminine lubricating jelly for sensitive skin. If you’re concerned about birth control, some condoms also come lubricated.

Quality Not Quantity

Having a good sex life doesn’t mean having it every day. With the demands of life and children, it’s a good idea to set a schedule for daddy-and-mommy time. To get that once or twice a week session of uninterrupted, unbridled passion, you’ll have to book grandma or a sitter to look after the little one.

Then, there’s also being spontaneous and creative. Get it whenever, however you can. This could even help spice things up a bit!  Mid-day quickie in the laundry room, maybe?

Leave a Reply