Sex After Childbirth – Five Things to Help Get You in the Mood
Sex after child birth can be daunting prospect for many women. Whilst nine months of growing a child is an incredible experience, carrying and birthing a baby does have a significant impact on a mother’s body. Antenatal classes offer mothers-to-be information on how their body will change during and after pregnancy, yet one topic that is often overlooked is talking honestly and openly about how these changes to your body affect your sex life.
Resuming your sex life may take some time...
There’s no hard and fast rule as to when you should start having sex again. Many wait for the six week postnatal check, some don’t but for a huge number of women it is significantly longer before they feel ready emotionally and physically to resume intimacy with their partner. Everyone is different so it’s important not to rush or worry that there is something wrong, healing takes times and so does the psychological switch that helps you see your body as sexual again. It’s important to take your time. You may feel sore and tired after child birth, so sex isn’t likely to be your top priority initially. Changes to the physical appearance of your body such as swollen breasts, a weakened pelvic floor, a less than flat tummy and possibly stretchmarks may take a little getting used to before you feel like having sex again. You may also experience postnatal vaginal dryness when breastfeeding which is very common, due to the drop in estrogen levels in your body. Some of these physical changes could initially make sex less pleasurable than it once was, and it may take a while before the quality and quantity of sex resumes to what is ‘normal’ for you and your partner.
Once you do start feel more like your old self again, we’ve picked five of the best ideas to help get you in the mood and ease you gently back into your sex life.
- Natural Lube – AH! YES Product Range (Prices start at £5.99)
Hormonal shifts after pregnancy can result in vaginal dryness and irritation. Personal lubricants can really help to ease these symptoms by soothing and hydrating the delicate vaginal tissues, alleviating discomfort and making sex much (much) more pleasurable! We recommend AH! YES WB (water-based) or AH! YES OB (plant oil-based) organic natural lubricants for intercourse. You can even use them at the same time, for the double glide effect! What’s more, AH! YES OB can also be used as a sensuous massage oil.
- Organic Nipple Balm – Odylique, £7.50
Odylique’s Organic Nipple Balm is filled with natural goodies to soothe and protect sore skin from cracking. Soil Association certified and fragrance free, this balm is safe to use before, during and after breast feeding. You can even massage the balm into the perineum after labor to promote healing. Magical stuff!
- Nursing Bras – Hotmilk Lingerie, (Prices vary)
‘Designed by mothers, for mothers’, Hotmilk’s philosophy is to celebrate and empower women by creating a practical, yet sophisticated and sexy range of maternity and post-pregnancy lingerie. Enjoy exploring what looks and feels amazing on your beautiful new body with this gorgeous collection!
- Skin Nourishing Products – Neal’s Yard Mother Organic Collection, £35
Pamper yourself post-pregnancy with this fab Mother Organic Collection from Neal’s Yard. Apply Mother’s Balm twice daily, the blend of natural oils and beeswax works to increase the skin’s firmness and elasticity, plus reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Then indulge in a soothing soak with Mother’s Bath Oil, filled with uplifting essential oils to relax the senses whilst nourishing the skin. Why not finish off your pampering session with a massage from your partner using Mother’s Massage Oil infused with Neroli and Wheatgerm oil, rich in vitamin E and deeply relaxing. This certified organic collection will help you feel fabulously sensual in no time!
- A Post-Natal Family Retreat – & Breathe Post-Natal Retreats (Prices vary)
You might think that the very last thing that you’d need after having a baby is the fuss of taking the family on holiday. However, these post-natal retreats by & Breathe are a bit of a game changer. Specifically designed to aid the healing and bonding process for families after child birth, & Breathe offers a range of retreat packages in various locations, including activities that incorporate fitness, food and relaxation with expert nutritionists and instructors on hand to enhance your experience. In addition to parent and baby bonding sessions, childcare is available during workout classes, so that you and your partner can enjoy some well- deserved ‘you’ time.
So, the truth is that sex after childbirth might take a little while and will probably be different to pre-baby sex, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be equally or even more sensual, satisfying and thrilling. The important thing is to do it your way, when you’re ready.
