Giving birth is such a wondrous experience. It is also one that demands so much of a woman, be it physically, mentally or emotionally, because she has to undergo all the stresses, aches and pains, and hormone fluctuations that giving birth entails. Then there is the adjustment to being a mom to a new baby; and then after that a million other things to think about and adjust to once again!  

With everything that is going on with the new baby and just trying to get back to her old self again, sex is one of the last things on the minds of many new moms. Granted that it is a very important part of a healthy relationship with one’s partner, having sex after giving birth can be an unappealing, if not downright scary thing. Given time though and a lot of understanding, sex after giving birth can become richer and even more meaningful after the baby is born.

Most medical practitioners suggest a minimum of 6 weeks after giving birth before a woman can resume a sexual relationship with her partner. This is to prevent any infection or injury to the woman while her body is slowly healing and going back to its pre-pregnancy state. For many women though, 6 weeks may not be enough, and they may find that they need more time before they are comfortable with having sex again.    

Pain and discomfort are real fears for women especially if they had an episiotomy or tearing during childbirth. C-Section wound soreness and pain can also last for quite some time after giving birth, causing not only some aching but a lack of mobility and flexibility. Another reason would be the prolonged period of bleeding (lochia) that women experience after giving birth. Other reasons could be a lack of drive due to a drop in hormone levels, physical exhaustion from lack of sleep and adjusting to having a new baby, or even post partum depression.  

It is because of these reasons, among others, that a woman would be wary to get back to having an active sexual and intimate relationship with her partner. This does not mean though that intimacy should be lost during this time.