Sex After Childbirth: 3 Things You Need To Know

Having a child is a beautiful thing, but let’s be real: there’s plenty of questions we have about the whole thing – especially for first-time moms. For many women, one of those burning questions is ‘What do I need to know about having sex after childbirth?’. From hormonal changes to how long to wait, new moms need to be aware of how having a baby impacts sex. Here are 3 things you need to know about sex after childbirth. 

1. How Long Do I Have To Wait?

The pregnancy is over, your man is looking good, and you want to be intimate with him ASAP. Well, you may want to slow down there, mama. According to the Mayo Clinic, while there’s technically no official waiting period before having sex again, many health care providers suggest 4-6 weeks; that’s regardless of your delivery method. This will allow your body time to heal, and the good news is that you have a little bundle of joy to keep you plenty occupied in the meantime. 

2. Will My Sex Drive Change?

While you may have been feeling much more frisky during your pregnancy, afterward will likely feel quite different.  Of course, every woman is unique, but there are multiple factors that can cause a lower sex drive after pregnancy. A new baby is a lot of work and it can leave moms (and dads) feeling very tired, and sex isn’t really something we should sleepwalk through – despite what some of our exes will have us thinking. 

Body image issues can also be hard on new moms and have them avoiding intimacy with their partner. We can – and should – always promote body positivity but no matter what we say or do, a new mom may just not feel content in her body yet and will need some time to get that confidence back. For many women, part of that process is losing the extra baby weight, but another topic that’s often overlooked is the scar that results from a C-section delivery. For a new mom interested in improving her C-section scar, you can opt to use doctor-recommended silicone scar sheet therapy. Now, you might be thinking to yourself ‘Okay that’s great, but I don’t have the time to start Google searching for a reliable product’. CicaLux is one such company that’s delivering quality scar-care for those affected by scars like C-sections. At the end of the day though, it’s important to have a partner that is understanding and will remind you how beautiful you still are – especially when you need those reminders. 

Thirdly, hormones will definitely impact your post-baby sex drive. Parents.com reports that breastfeeding can lead to a low libido. So, if you’re not into sex right away, don’t worry, it won’t last forever.

3. How Will It Affect Things Down There?

Regardless of your method of delivery, having a baby can affect your vagina. When a woman breastfeeds, her estrogen decreases, which in turn can cause vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. That being said, if you do experience dryness, not all is lost: your new best friend will simply be a good lubricant. 

Jill Zwarensteyn is a writer, TV producer, and comedian. Her worked has been featured in The New York Times, Matador Network, BUST Magazine, YourTango, The Cannes Film Festival, LaughFest, and more.

Disclaimer: This sponsored article provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment.