5- Is it normal not to want to have sex after having a baby?
Men and women may have different worries and reactions when it comes to postpartum sex.
For women, pregnancy and childbirth fatigue, pain from perineal tearing or stitches from an episiotomy, lack of sleep, hormonal fluctuations, and concern over physical appearance may impact their mood and sexual desire.
For men, sexual desire is affected by the intense nature of the birth, adapting to their new role, not wanting to pressure their partner, and concerns over their partner’s physical appearance. Some men have a very emotional reaction to the birth and may feel rejected by their partner.
6- How do we get the magic back?
Intimacy, tenderness, and communication are key factors. It’s important to talk about your feeling and insecurities before and after the baby is born.
After the birth, the time and energy devoted to the new baby may take it's toll, leaving neither available for intimacy. However, finding time alone or dating are good ways to help you adjust to your new life, and become more intimate.
Although sexual satisfaction decreases after the birth, most couples enjoy a more satisfying sexual relationship within a year following the birth.
7- When is it safe to have sex after childbirth?
When you are ready, you can resume certain types of sexual activities a few days after the birth. Cuddling and vaginal stimulation is allowed if there is no pain or discomfort. However, you should not have sexual intercourse until your perineum is comfortable, the episiotomy has healed (3 to 5 weeks), and the lochia (bleeding) has stopped. Also, women who had a c-section should wait until their incision is healed (4 to 6 weeks).
Lovemaking may be a little different. It is common to feel very dry (this may cause discomfort during penetration), to have less intense or shorter orgasms, to have decreased tone in the perineal muscles, and for breasts to leak after an orgasm in nursing mothers. Don’t worry, these discomforts are temporary, and you sex life will be back to normal soon enough.