How long should I wait after birth to have sex?
The usual length of time is four to six weeks postpartum – or after the six-week postpartum OB/GYN checkup. This gives your body time to recover, for the cervix to close, bleeding to stop and the vaginal area to heal.
Beyond that, follow your own timeline – talk to your mate and share your feelings about being tired or worry about possible discomfort during intercourse.
Are there any guidelines to remember?
With a new baby in the house, it is easy to focus all thoughts and energy on that baby. To resume an intimate relationship, it is important to focus on yourself and your partner during that time.
Your body has undergone hormonal changes and that, along with breastfeeding, can cause vaginal dryness and tenderness. You might want to use a lubricant.
Communicate with your partner to best figure out how to proceed together.
Talk to your partner!
If you are experiencing tiredness and anxiety, or any concern at all about resuming sexual activity, talk to your partner.
Now might be a good time to affirm to each other the love and commitment that you feel and find other ways to show that intimate love that you have for each other.
Do I need to use birth control if I am breastfeeding?
Even if you are breastfeeding, you need to use birth control. You might want to consider condoms and spermicides to start. Or you could consider birth control that contains only the hormone progestin. Discuss this with your OB/GYN and your partner.
Good physical and emotional health help to maintain passion
When you make the time to take care of yourself physically and emotionally, you will feel better and be more ready to enjoy your sexual relationship.
Contact your neighborhood Texas Health Care Obstetrics & Gynecology clinic in DFW for more information sex after pregnancy.
