WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Postpartum Sex: Take Your Time

Newborn
Post-delivery time
Postpartum Sex: Take Your Time
Pregnancy and childbirth are incredible journeys, but they also come with significant physical and emotional changes. As you prepare for the postpartum period, it's essential to remember that your body has just been through a lot, and it's perfectly okay to take your time when it comes to postpartum sex. Here, we'll delve into some vital aspects to consider and tips for when you're ready to embrace intimacy again.
Listen to Your Body 🤰🩸
First and foremost, listen to your body. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause significant changes, including vaginal tearing, episiotomies, and hormonal fluctuations. It's normal to experience discomfort, pain, or even fear when thinking about resuming sexual activity. So, be patient with yourself. Allow your body the time it needs to heal.
  • Postpartum bleeding: This discharge, known as lochia, can last up to six weeks after childbirth. Wait until it subsides entirely before engaging in sexual activity.
  • Perineal discomfort: If you had stitches or experienced tearing, consult your healthcare provider before attempting sex. They can provide guidance on when it's safe to resume.
  • Hormonal changes: Your hormones may be all over the place, impacting your desire and arousal. This is entirely normal, and it will settle down with time.
Communication is Key 🗣️❤️
Open and honest communication with your partner is crucial during this period. Share your feelings, concerns, and desires with them. Emphasize that intimacy isn't just about sex; it's about emotional closeness too.
  • Express your needs: Let your partner know what you're comfortable with and what you're not. This will ensure that both of you are on the same page.
  • Be patient with each other: Your partner may also have concerns or fears. Encourage them to share and discuss any worries they might have.
  • Rediscover intimacy: Consider activities like cuddling, massages, or simply spending quality time together without the pressure of sexual intercourse.
Kegels: Your Postpartum Superpower 🦸‍♀️💪
Kegel exercises can become your postpartum superpower. These simple pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen your pelvic muscles, which can improve sexual satisfaction and reduce the risk of incontinence.
  • Start slowly: Begin with a few contractions a day and gradually increase the frequency and duration as you feel more comfortable.
  • Incorporate it into your daily routine: Kegels can be done discreetly anytime, anywhere. Whether you're nursing, sitting, or watching TV, they are a fantastic addition to your postpartum self-care.
  • Consult a healthcare provider: If you're unsure about how to perform Kegels correctly, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and ensure you're doing them effectively.
Reignite the Spark 🔥🌟
When you're both ready to resume sexual activity, remember that it may take time for things to feel "normal" again. Here are some tips to help you reignite the spark:
  • Use lubrication: Breastfeeding and hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness. Consider using a water-based lubricant to enhance comfort.
  • Try different positions: Experiment with positions that reduce pressure on sensitive areas, such as the perineum.
  • Take it slow: There's no rush. Gradually build up to more intense intimacy when you both feel ready.
In conclusion, postpartum sex is a unique journey for every woman. Remember that it's okay to take your time, listen to your body, and communicate openly with your partner. With patience, understanding, and a little self-care, you'll be back to enjoying intimacy in your own time and on your own terms. 🌈❤️
Keep learning
Body Image and Self-Care during Postpartum
3 min read
Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
A
Angel
18 Oct 2023

Mom Appreciation Post!!! 8 months postpartum with Twin Girls and I feel amazing! Moms please take time out for yourself, get your hair, nails, makeup and get dressed and love on you 😘

Newborn Post-delivery time
2 comments
A
Angel
Thank you boo
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
10 Oct 2023

Ok so I'm only 4 weeks postpartum and I had sex this morning I couldn't take being the horny no more it was driving me crazy so I gave in now I'm sitting here like lord please don't let me pop up pregnant again so soon 🤣🤣

Newborn Post-delivery time
3 comments
K
Karess
I feel ya I couldn't wait either
27 Mar 2024

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LaTressa
Long as you use protection because we definitely fertile as hell right now I'm not taking no chances I'm gone wait til my six weeks up and use some protection
27 Mar 2024

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Avrionna
20 Aug 2023

So me and my fiancé had sex and I’m only 3weeks postpartum due to a c section we didn’t finish because baby girl woke up screaming so I had to go take care of her should everything be fine incision wise and all that?

Newborn Post-delivery time
4 comments
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Andreya
Yes It Should Be Fine, That’s How Long We Waited! Just As Long As You Feel Comfortable & There’s No Pain Or Drainage! ☺️
27 Mar 2024

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Avrionna
I’m still slightly bleeding but not a lot at all it’s gotten to point of being so light it’s like a really really light red almost like an orange /red color but brown on a pad we used a condom obviously lol I’m not on bc yet till my next appointment
27 Mar 2024

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💕 Tammy 💕
17 Aug 2023

2 weeks postpartum. Hubs wants to take me out on a date 🔥🍆😘. Looking for suggests...

Newborn Post-delivery time
3 comments
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Mina R.
Do it! Lol I didn't want to stay in the house after 2 weeks 😅. Wear something cute, don't try to fit into your old clothes. Have fun!
27 Mar 2024

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💕 Tammy 💕
we might be making another one lol🎉
27 Mar 2024

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♥
♥️Miss Mendoza♥️
25 Apr 2023

TMI question: I want to hear your opinion on this… How long did you wait to have postpartum sex? And did you get on birth control? The standard time to wait is 6-8 weeks right?

Newborn Post-delivery time
9 comments
J
Jordan
I waited 8 weeks and no I did not ! My doctor told 6 weeks but I know some people wait longer
27 Mar 2024

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Alicia
Well I got the IUD put inside of me it is for 8 years but my doctor told me that I don't I have wait 8 years
27 Mar 2024

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semajae
16 Mar 2023

So two weeks ago I had sex after being 3 months postpartum.... and now my period is basically late it didn't come on yesterday I'm trying to give it some time but can a female even get pregnant if the guy pulled out???,

Newborn Post-delivery time
8 comments
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Sheyenne
This is what it says when I look it up, also, I’ve heard that you can from the pre-cum but not 100% sure
27 Mar 2024

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Christeena
I know people that have gotten pregnant by the pull out method. How many periods have you had postpartum? My second one was a week late, my ob said that periods can be off by a few days to a couple weeks and it can take up to 6 months to a year postpartum to go back to normal because your body is trying to adjust to not being pregnant anymore. For some women it doesn’t take that long to go back to normal though. Hope that helps some, cause I was blowing up my obs office when my period was late lol
27 Mar 2024

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alysia
29 Jan 2023

So i had sex 4weeks and 3 days postpartum. i thought my body was completely healed which i know it takes 6weeks. I noticed a small tear in my vagina after sex.. Can anyone tell me what i need to do? I’m freaking out

Newborn Post-delivery time
9 comments
a
alysia
will i have to get stitches again? Do i need to call my OB?
27 Mar 2024

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Melissa
And you may need to call your OB I don't know how that really works are you bleeding?
27 Mar 2024

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Susana
25 Jan 2023

Coming up on 4 weeks postpartum in which I feel totally great. Andddd I really want to have sex again, Is that bad lol??? I know the recommended time to wait is 6 weeks but I also know some women have sex after 2-4 weeks soooo I’m very conflicted! What should I do?? What did y’all do?

Newborn Post-delivery time
3 comments
T
Tariqah
Six weeks is recommended as an all-around precaution for women who gave birth vaginally and via c-section. It really depends on how you're healing. As long as you're past two weeks and are no longer bleeding and are not in pain, you may be good to go 👍🏽
27 Mar 2024

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Susana
I did end up tearing but it was very little, I got around 5 stitches but it was definitely not anything crazy. Other than that I had no complications but thank you!
27 Mar 2024

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Shayde
8 Jan 2023

About 6 weeks postpartum and my sex drive has driven to a different state. And I hate it for my hubby because I know he wants to be intimate... I just feel disgusting all the time

Newborn Post-delivery time
6 comments
🌜
🌜✨Yaya✨🎄
Why did you think you feel like that?
27 Mar 2024

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Shayde
I just feel gross, and just don't get horny I guess
27 Mar 2024

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Natalie
28 Oct 2022

Is it okay to have sex 4 weeks postpartum? No more bleeding, stitches healed, feel normal!

Newborn Post-delivery time
4 comments
F
Faith
I won't lie I did at 4 weeks 2 days postpartum cuz I felt great and was getting impatient. Everything was fine just don't jump into too crazy. I'd say pace yourself at first just to see how you feel.
27 Mar 2024

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Natalie
Okay. I waited 4 weeks. I felt and still feel fine but was just worried if that was too early
27 Mar 2024

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