Sexual intimacy is an essential aspect of any healthy relationship, but it can be a topic that new parents feel uncomfortable discussing. While pregnancy can affect sexual activity, many couples are surprised by the changes that occur after giving birth. It is important for new parents to understand what sex after birth will look like to ensure that they can maintain a strong physical connection with their partner. That is why LELO prepared the insights on this topic and what to expect.
The Physical Changes After Giving Birth
Giving birth is a significant physical experience that causes many changes in a woman's body. The postpartum period is the time when the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state and can be especially challenging.
Though only temporarily, a vaginal birth can cause the muscle tone in your vagina to decrease. This will affect the amount of friction you will feel inside during lovemaking, which in turn will affect the stimulation you receive from sex.
One way to beat this is by maintaining your pelvic floor or Kegel muscles either before or after giving birth. You can either do this with a pelvic floor exercise aide that will help you more effectively work this often overlooked muscle set, or with the tried and tested manual way to exercise your Kegels.
Start by tightening your pelvic muscles in short three to five second reps, five times in a row. After some days of repeating this exercise, you will notice that you can hold your muscles tight for longer amounts of time; work at it until you can hold them for ten seconds, and then relax them for ten seconds before doing it again.
If you're confused as to which muscle you're meant to be flexing and tensing, try stopping your flow the next time you are taking a pee; those are the exact muscles you should be using during your workout.
Many women experience pain during sex after giving birth, most often caused by vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable. To deal with an extra-sensitive and harder-to-lubricate vagina, take it slow and make the most out of foreplay; try some romantic massage, mutual masturbation, or set the stage with some extra stimulation from an external vibrator before moving on to intercourse.
Communication is key, it is important to talk openly with your partner about your expectations and concerns. It is also essential to listen to your body and take things slow. Rushing into sex too quickly can cause more discomfort, so it is important to wait until the body, as well as your mind, are fully healed before engaging in sexual activity.
The Emotional Changes After Giving Birth
In addition to the physical changes, new parents may experience emotional changes that can affect their sexual intimacy. It is common for new mothers to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and self-conscious about their postpartum body. This can lead to a decreased sex drive and a reluctance to engage in sexual activity. New fathers may also experience emotional changes, such as anxiety and stress, as they navigate their new role as a parent.
It is important for new parents to be patient with themselves and each other as they adjust to their new roles. Addressing any emotional concerns that may arise is the best idea. It may be helpful to set aside time to connect with each other outside of the demands of parenting, such as going on a date night or engaging in a shared hobby.
When can I start having sex after pregnancy?
As mentioned before, in the weeks or even months after having your baby, you may experience a lowered libido. This is because of the hormonal changes as well as the fact that you're likely to be exhausted and perhaps a little overwhelmed – because motherhood is an important undertaking that consumes a lot of emotional strength you would otherwise be using elsewhere.
Depending on which method you choose to deliver your baby, your body needs time to heal – taking time between giving birth and having sex will allow for your cervix to fully close, and let any tears and lacerations heal.
Many caregivers suggest waiting four to six weeks before having sex again, while some women feel ready after as little as two weeks. However it's up to you and you alone to make the choice of when it feels right for you.
Sex after birth is a complex topic that involves both physical and emotional changes. It is important for new parents to be patient with themselves and each other as they adjust to their new roles. Sex and intimacy aside, this is a thrilling new chapter of your life that is just getting started. Even if sex isn't part of your mental state right after your baby arrives, remember that time is your best friend and that things should get back to normal soon.
LELO is not just a sex toy brand; it's a self-care movement aimed at those who know that satisfaction transcends gender, sexual orientation, race, and age. We're offering the experience of ecstasy without shame, the pleasure of discovering all the wonders of one's body, thus facilitating our customers with confidence, that leads to a fulfilled intimate life. LELOi AB is the Swedish company behind LELO, where offices extend from Stockholm to San Jose, from Sydney to Shanghai.
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