“How the f*** does sex work after birth?!” – well, were here to tell you.
We’re not going to lie… The first few weeks postpartum can be tough. Between adjusting to a new routine, sleep deprivation, and the overwhelming demands of caring for a newborn, the idea of sex might feel like a non-starter for you. After all, your body absolutely needs time to heal post-birth, and the physical and emotional changes you're experiencing can impact your libido and overall desire for intimacy. But at some point, that fire is going to light again (promise!), so here’s our answer for how getting hot and heavy works after giving birth:
“How Long Should I Wait Before Having Sex?”
THE burning question on every new mom's mind (well maybe not every, but it’s often one of them!!!): "how soon can we have sex after giving birth?"
While there is no set timeframe, most healthcare providers recommend waiting four to six weeks after birth to have sex.
Now for the *very* real details -- If you had a vaginal birth, you may have some tearing or an episiotomy, which requires a bit more time than that average recommendation to heal. Engaging in sexual activity too early can increase your risk of infection or further tearing.
If you had a cesarean section, your body needs sufficient time to recover from the surgical procedure. It is MAJOR! (And I mean, you can’t even sit up for a few weeks on your own, so getting wild in bed is probably not on your agenda right now haha).
It's important to note that these recommendations are not set in stone. Every person's body is different, every person’s recovery is different and every person’s desire is different. Most important is that you listen to your own physical and emotional cues. If you feel ready to engage in sexual activity before the recommended timeframe, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe to do so.
“Will Sex Feel Different?”
After giving birth, your body goes through significant physical changes – you literally just created a human out of near thin air! … so you should expect it’s going to come with some changes lol – and that includes changes to your sex life!
Here are some of the common physical changes that come along with postpartum and sex:
- Vaginal Soreness and Pain
- Vaginal Dryness
- Change in Discharge
- Breast Discomfort and Nipple Soreness
“How Do I Ease Back Into Sex?”
Easing back into sexual activity after giving birth is a personal journey that requires patience and open communication with your partner. Here are some tips to help you navigate this transition:
Start with Non-Penetrative Intimacy
Maybe take a trip to the adult toy store... 👀.
Communicate with Your Partner
Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Everyone is happier when they know what’s going on – don’t be shy to tell your partner how you’re doing!
Experiment with Different Positions and Techniques
Is a kama sutra an appropriate baby shower gift? Might be!!
Use Lubrication
Use a lubricant. Trust us.
Take it at Your Own Pace
Remember that there is no rush to resume sexual activity after giving birth. It's important to listen to your body and take things at your own pace. If you feel any discomfort or pain during sexual activity, communicate with your partner and consider taking a break or trying a different approach. Your comfort and well-being should always be the top priority!
Transitioning from ‘you’-hood to motherhood comes with a WHOLE bunch of wild changes – just remember that you still get to be you through this whole journey and your sex life doesn’t have to suffer because you’re now a mom. Wink wink…
Got questions? We’ve got answers!!! Slide into our DM’s at @rumbly_co anytime!! Remember, we’ve got you!!
