Facts About Having Sex After Childbirth

Your doctor may have warned you against having sex until at least six weeks after giving birth. Although there is no documented research to support this advice, many doctors still advise new moms to abide by the six week rule to prevent infection that may arise postpartum.

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However, studies reveal that the cervix has closed and most incisions and lacerations have healed just two weeks postpartum.

Here are some things to know about sex after childbirth

1. Wait until you are ready

It’s important to wait until you are emotionally and physically ready, whenever that might be. Some women have sex pretty soon after giving birth and for others it can take a lot longer. Both are okay- just wait until you feel ready and try not to put yourself under any pressure to do it sooner. –

2. It Might Feel Different

You’re probably wondering whether sex will feel different after the birth. No matter how you gave birth, whether you had a natural birth, a c-section or an assisted vaginal delivery, you might find that sex feels different, at least for a little while.

In fact, it could be downright uncomfortable. Remember, your body is still healing after the birth, and it can take a while for things to go back to normal. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about it. Keep doing your exercises to encourage blood flow to the area .

3. Plan ahead

Make sure you are well lubricated, this is a very important tip. Plan ahead! Feed the baby and put him or her to sleep with a dry diaper — anything you can do to buy you some time.

You do not want to rush the first time after having a baby. If it’s wrong or rushed it will turn you off to anything after that. And your partner needs to be patient, take it slow, be tender, and listen to you and what you want.

4. Vaginal Dryness Can Be A Problem

The vagina is where you could really do with a little lubrication as giving birth leaves you very dry. The hormonal changes in your body can lead to a decreased sex drive and vaginal dryness.

One thing almost all new and breastfeeding mothers swear by is lubricants. Invest in some water-based one now, and when you’re ready, you will have some nearby if you need it.

5. Other tips to help

Try just cuddling and being intimate at first, so you gradually become used to being touched in a sexual way again.
Take it slowly. Enjoy each other’s bodies, and plenty of foreplay, without expecting it to lead to penetrative sex.
If you are anxious or tense, or worried that it will hurt, you won’t become aroused. Sex may then be uncomfortable because your vagina won’t be lubricated, or have softened.
Try using a lubricating jelly if your perineal area is feeling sensitive, as this can make sex much more comfortable. Don’t use an oil-based lubricant if you use condoms, as this may cause them to leak.
The lubrication will also help with any vaginal dryness you may be feeling, which is common if you are breastfeeding.
When you do feel ready, try not to rush things. It should feel natural, and you should both feel ready and fully aroused.
Try a position that doesn’t put too much pressure on wherever you are feeling sensitive.
Beginning with you on top means that you can control the rate and depth of penetration.
If things become sensitive or uncomfortable, ask your partner to stop for a while. He could instead try gently touching your clitoris. Once you do feel aroused, you can try again.