Making love after having a baby: How long should you wait?

 

For many mothers’ sex after pregnancy might be the last thing on their mind. Most of the time vaginal soreness, exhaustion and the demands of the newborn is the new routine.

Research has it that at some point in the postpartum period many women start pondering the mechanics of sex after having a baby, and it isn't always an easy thing to picture.

While there's no required waiting period before you can have sex again, many health care providers recommend four to six weeks after delivery, regardless of the delivery method.

The risk of having a complication after delivery is highest during the first two weeks after delivery. But waiting will also give your body time to heal.

With that said, the following facts should help you determine when you are ready to have sex;

The first time you have sex after childbirth, it probably will not be all that pleasurable. It might actually feel as having sex for the first time ever. Eventually, over weeks or months, it becomes more comfortable. Watch out, your body has the ability to make another baby pretty much immediately after you’ve given birth to one. You may find that what feels good during sex changes after giving birth. Some women who previously orgasmed through G-spot stimulation now prefer clitoral stimulation. Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and releasing the vagina, can help strengthen the muscles in and around your pelvis in the postpartum period.

However, if you opt to go for it as soon as you can, then be sure to try the following tips to ease discomfort during sex

Seek pain relief - Take pain-relieving steps beforehand, such as emptying your bladder, taking a warm bath or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Use lubricant - Your vagina may be drier than it was before, so try using lubrication to make things more comfortable. Don’t use an oil-based lubricant if you use condoms, as it could cause them to leak. Experiment - You could try exploring your vagina on your own first. Use your fingers and go gently, with lubrication if that helps.

If things become sensitive or uncomfortable, ask your partner to stop for a while.

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