Sex after childbirth

SEX AFTER CHILDBIRTH

After the birth of your baby, your body goes through a major transformation. Muscles that have never been used before now have been and you probably will feel sore. Most doctors advise that nothing be put into the vagina for approximately six weeks after the birth of a baby. Every woman is different and should rely upon their body's comfort level to tell them when they are ready. The general rule about sex after childbirth is that you can resume when you feel physically and emotionally ready.

Some doctors and medical professionals say that a woman is able to resume sexual relations whenever she is comfortable and as long as no infection is present. For most women that have had a vaginal delivery, their vagina and perineum will still be sore and having sex will be uncomfortable for atleast two weeks after the birth. This is especially true if the delivery was traumatic and the use of forceps, vacuum or other medical interventions were needed. For women that have had a cesarean section, the incision site will remain sore for several weeks as well. Two weeks after the birth of your baby, your uterus will have gone back down to the size it was when you were approximately three months pregnant. Four weeks after delivery, most women have healed back to normal and sex could already be comfortable. It is wise to wait until the lochia (the bleeding and discharge that occurs after delivery) has gone away. Most doctors advice to wait 6 weeks after birth.

Many couples continue to have sex throughout the entire nine months of pregnany and then their sex life is brought to a complete halt after the birth of the baby. Not only has your body been through an amazing transformation after the birth of your child, you now have a little person that depends on you for everything. You might not be able to enjoy sex with a crying baby in the room. For breastfeeding mothers, your natural lubrication may be decreased and sexual intercourse may actually cause your vagina to become raw or irritated. It is okay to use a lubricating jelly if needed. Many mothers also feel unattractive after the birth of their baby and their libido decreases. Exercising, eating well and taking care of your personal needs will help this feeling pass.

For the first few times of having sex postpartum, take it easy and avoid penetration if necessary. Use lubrication if necssary and let your partner know if you are experiencing any pain. Sometimes trying different positions can help ease the pain. If you notice a strange discharge, odor or swelling you should avoid sexual intercourse and contact your doctor to rule out a possible infection.

The fear of becoming pregnant again also keeps many couples from making love. Because babies can be born nine months apart, it is important to use some form of birth control if you do not wish to become pregnant right away. Breastfeeding is not a reliable form of birth control. If you are nursing, ask your caregiver about your birth control options.