The postpartum period is a journey of transformation. After nurturing and birthing your baby, often amidst sleep deprivation and selfless care, you're given the green light for sex around six weeks postpartum. But if you're not feeling ready, rest assured, you're far from alone.
Numerous barriers can hinder postpartum intimacy, including emotional, physical, hormonal, and psychological factors. While physical therapy and acupuncture can address the physical aspects, there are ways to ease the emotional and psychological challenges too.
See a Pelvic Floor Therapist 👩⚕️
Consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist during the postpartum phase can offer profound benefits. They assist with emotional recovery from childbirth, adapt to physical changes, and navigate the psychological journey of reclaiming your body.
The therapeutic support isn't solely for those experiencing pain during intercourse. All postpartum individuals can benefit.
Reconnecting with Your Postpartum Body 🌟
Postpartum brings changes to how your body functions and experiences pleasure. Tension-holding pelvic floor muscles can hinder relaxation necessary for comfortable penetration.
Conversely, weakened pelvic floor muscles might lead to shorter, less intense orgasms. Recognizing these shifts and connecting with your body empowers you to rekindle a positive relationship with postpartum intimacy.
Addressing Pain and Discomfort 💆♀️
Fear of pain can dampen the mood. A postpartum physical therapy session involves evaluating scar tissue mobility – whether from perineal tears, episiotomies, or C-section incisions.
Reintroducing sensation to these areas enhances sensory experience, reduces discomfort, and encourages tissue flexibility. Regaining connection to numb C-section scar regions enhances both sensual touch and neuromuscular coordination.
Relearning to coordinate your pelvic floor muscles is akin to mastering a subtle dance – letting go of tension and facilitating movement.
This dance shifts after childbirth, requiring time to reconnect with your own body. Trust the healing process, building confidence that pleasure will return. Rediscovering this connection heightens orgasms and lubrication.
Tips for Postpartum Intimacy 💞
Engage in deep, slow breaths to relax your pelvic floor and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Prioritize foreplay – penetration isn't the immediate goal. Begin with oral sex to ease into intimacy.
Use lubrication both externally and internally. Natural options like coconut oil can soothe with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Experiment with different positions. Side-lying can be gentler than the missionary stance.
Take control of penetration – guide your partner manually, adjusting to your comfort level.
Embrace this postpartum chapter as a time of renewal and growth. Patience and communication with your partner, along with the support of healthcare professionals, pave the way for a fulfilling and empowered post-baby intimate journey. 🌈
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Naysha
1 Jul 2023
Hello ladies I been trying to research and even look on here about pelvic pain. Its mostly on my left side of pelvis and when I toss and turn when I get out of bed and when I walk its very painful I don’t sleep well. Has anybody else experienced this and so what did you do. I was thinking of going to ER but I don’t know if it’s necessary even tho I’m in a lot of pain. 🥺
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