For many new mothers, the idea that you'll be ready to have sex six weeks after giving birth is a myth. Sex expert Sarah Oreck works with postpartum mothers and she advises them just one question: Do they want to get back to sex?
If the answer is no, it remains no. Oreck says it's important to leave room for that.
And when you're ready, there's an upside. Despite the changes that come with pregnancy and childbirth, women usually become much more comfortable with their bodies after giving birth. So it is an opportunity to connect with your body and sensuality.
Below are the most important things experts want you to know about reconnecting with sex and satisfaction in the postpartum period.
Be patient with sensitive tissues.
If you've been navigating sensitive tissue, it's better to slowly build up a tolerance to touch than to avoid it completely.
Hormonal changes affect dryness and sensitivity.
It's often a hormonal issue related to breastfeeding: The hormone prolactin enables the body to produce breast milk, but it suppresses estrogen—as well as libido, vaginal elasticity, and vaginal lubrication. Lubricant can help
Childbirth can change your pelvic anatomy.
It means that when you return to sex after giving birth, your body may feel different than it did before pregnancy. For example, your G-spot may be in a new location because of the way the inner structure of the clitoris was placed against your vaginal canal.
The stress of being a new parent can absolutely be a sex drive killer (and that's totally normal)
When our nervous systems are hijacked by stress, sex is greatly devalued.
Self-indulgence can help maintain your sensual identity in the postpartum period, even if your libido is lower than what you're used to.
