Before I had my baby I had heard and read a lot of stories about sex after delivery but nothing prepared me for the rude shock I experienced. Below are the 5 surprises you can expect from sex after childbirth.
1. You may not feel sexy anymore
It is normal to feel incredibly unsexy. That banging body and shape you were used to before pregnancy seems to have vanished. You look in the mirror and you may feel ashamed with the flabs and fat. You are not abnormal for feeling this way.
Solution
Embrace your new body. You carried a miracle. Also remember, there is nothing to be ashamed about. If you don’t feel good about yourself or feel unattractive, you can’t expect to look attractive to your spouse. Be intention. Do things for yourself. Shower everyday, say nice things to yourself and believe it! Nothing is more sexy than confidence!
2. You may not be interested anymore
Labor is hard work! Not to mention the care for a new baby. It is normal to not be in the mood for sex after the pregnancy and labour phases that took a toil on you mentally, physically and emotionally.
Solution
Set your own timeline. Take all the time you need and carry your partner along. If after 6 weeks clearance you feel you need a little more time, by all means, take it. You need to be ready mentally for it.
3. You may be scared of sex
Lol! If you had an episiotomy chances are you will be scared to have sex.
Solution
Talk about it. It will help your partner know he needs to be gentle with you and work with you to overcome your fears.
4. There is no time for sex!
With this new life you are trying to make sense of, and caring for a newborn, there is always very little time left for anything else!
Solution
Be deliberate. Make time for sex even if it is just quickies. Set aside time when you are not too tired or when your baby is sleeping.
5. Sex can be painful
Pregnancy, labour and delivery can change the vaginal structure a little bit and also injure your pelvic floor muscles. Also remember, you got stitched!
Solution
Use lubricants and speak up. This will be useful to reduce the dryness and friction. Also, let your partner know so he knows when to stop. Seek alternatives to vaginal sex such as massage, oral sex till you heal completely.
Do you have other tips that worked for you? Please drop a comment!
