Sex After Childbirth

A topic that seldom comes up in conversation among new mothers is how sex after childbirth affects life and relationships. The first days pass in baby bliss, but after the first weeks some couples want to continue to have sex after the baby is born. Apart from sleep deprivation that makes having sex sometimes simply too much too tackle, some women complain about pain while having sex after childbirth.

For women, there is not only lack of sleep, but hormonal changes and maybe even stitches or tearing or abdominal pain from a having a caesarian section, which makes sex after childbirth unpleasant.

Some women wonder if it is normal that they have no urges at all to have sex after having a baby. After all, the experience, mentally and physically, is different for men and women. While women have to cope with bodily changes along with sometimes suffering from postpartum depression, some men quickly adjust to the life with a baby and want to continue the sexual relationship with their partner.

Physical changes and lack of interest in sex after childbirth isn't an easy topic to explain to their partners. Sometimes, it is difficult to find the right words to explain this mix of emotions. For men, this sometimes results in feelings of rejection. Apart from the emotional turmoil of having a baby, when is it physically safe for women to have sex after childbirth?

Since every woman is different, it is difficult to answer. Depending on the birth, some women feel no physical pain taking up sex a week after the birth. But for some, it takes more time to have sex after childbirth. As a general rule of thumb, a woman who had a cesarean section should wait at least six weeks until she resumes her sexual relationship with her partner.

To increase vaginal muscle tone, turn to time proven Kegel exercises. Excellent books are written about the subject, but only everyday practice brings the best results. Check out your local library.

But even after six weeks, women experiences discomforts. A simple solution might be using a lubricant, which might make having sex after childbirth more enjoyable.

Important to mention is birth control after childbirth. If you resume to have sex after childbirth, be aware that breastfeeding does not protect from pregnancy.

It is especially important to talk to your partner about all aspects, not only the physical discomfort you might experience while having sex after childbirth, but the emotional aspects as well. An open an honest relationship is the best way to start enjoying sex after childbirth. Again, turn to your library to find many excellent books about sex after childbirth and read them together with your partner.

But, your best partner in all questions about sex after childbirth is your health practitioner and your mid-wife.