After having a baby it’s important to listen to your body, and your doctor. You may have internal and external incisions from the delivery, and these need time to heal. The usual advice is to wait at least six weeks before having sex, but every delivery and every woman is different so speak with your midwife if you have any concerns.
Hormone changes during and after pregnancy can affect your body in many ways. Many new mums find a water-based personal lubrication helps ease the discomfort the first few times they have sex following the birth. Personal lubrication can also help stimulate and enhance intimacy, making the experience more pleasurable for you and your partner.
Breastfeeding and vaginal dryness
During the weeks or months when you’re breastfeeding, your body suppresses ovulation. This is nature’s way of preventing another pregnancy coming along too quickly. The lack of ovulation means your oestrogen levels will be lower than normal, but the lower levels of oestrogen can cause vaginal dryness, which can result in discomfort during intimacy. Using a personal lubricant can ease this discomfort and help enhance intimacy for new parents.
Birth control following childbirth
Unless you’re keen to continue the growth of your family, consider birth control. Breastfeeding as a natural form of birth control is called the lactational amenorrhea method, or LAM. It only works in the first six months following child birth, when you’re breastfeeding exclusively around the clock without supplementing with formula, and your periods have not yet returned. LAM is effective but not 100% of the time – research shows that 2 in 100 women become pregnant using this method. Your midwife will discuss birth control with you when they visit you at home. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about getting intimate after the birth of your child.
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