8 Surprising Truths New Parents Must Know Before Engaging in Postpartum Sex

Sex after having a baby can be intimidating for the couple. As parents, you have gone through a multitude of changes in a matter of months. It is incredibly challenging, especially for the mothers, as their bodies are still recuperating from the delivery.

After delivering process, mothers experience several things such as lingering pain, fluctuating hormones, baby blues, body changes, and the exhaustion of handling everything at once. However, here are some surprising truths about sex every couple must know after delivering a baby.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Resuming Sex After Birth

Here are 8 surprising truths most new parents are unaware of but should follow before engaging in postpartum sex:

1. The six-week timeline

Doctors usually recommend taking a breather for six weeks before hopping under the bedsheets to let the uterus heal. However, this timeline is entirely arbitrary as there is no evidence supporting it. Before engaging in any sexual activity, make sure you are not bleeding, have pain, and are in the right mental space.

2. Mental, emotional, and physical readiness vary

As nobody is the same, everyone takes their own time to recuperate from the massive change. If there is no pain, that means you are physically ready, but the mental and emotional well-being varies and should be considered before having sex.

3. Decreased libido

Many women experience a decrease in libido after pregnancy because of their bodies' hormonal changes. It is entirely natural and is brought on by several changes in lifestyle. Take things slow to understand how your body is reacting to the activity.

4. Pain can be due to multiple reasons

Pain is one of the most common factors that discourage couples from engaging in postpartum sex. However, there can be multiple reasons behind the pain, such as dryness caused by hormonal changes. Consult your doctor to get the go-ahead and use lubrication to reduce dryness before engaging in sex.

5. Breastfeeding

As strange as it might sound, breastfeeding also affects your sexual pleasure. Breastfeeding induces several hormonal changes in your body and can cause low estrogen levels, which can make the vagina dry and tight. Breastfeeding also causes emotional changes as it makes the mothers feel "touched out," making them less interested in sex.

6. Communication

Communication is vital and efficient in understanding what is happening. Some women who find sex painful report that they find it hard to communicate it with their partners, making them more uncomfortable. By communicating freely, couples can get through the phase together.

7. Be kind

Pregnancy is one of the most challenging times for a woman. It will help not rushing into something you are not ready for, and communicating it with your partners will help you get through it together and quickly.

8. Seek Help

It might help you communicate with your doctor to understand what your body is going through. It will help you to manage these changes and go back to normal sex life more easily.