Set your own timeline

Every woman who has a husband, partner or is in a relationship, and who has gone through a pregnancy and childbirth, often have questions about sex after childbirth. Sex after pregnancy happens, and although it may be the last thing on your mind, it is important to know what to expect and how to resume intimate relations with your partner.

Firstly, there is actually no waiting period before having sex again, but whether it is a vaginal delivery or a C-section, there are some factors to consider. If you resume sex within 2 weeks after delivery, you run the risk of post-delivery complications. To give your body time to heal and hormones to settle down, doctors recommend about 4 to 6 before being intimate again.

You may, in any case, have suffered a vaginal tear which needed stitching, or perhaps still have pain from a C-section, and maybe just do not feel all that sexy yet.

Whatever the reason, you have the right to set your own timeline for yourself and your partner.

Things you may want to know

Here are some questions you may have in your mind, especially if it is a first baby.

  • Will sex hurt after childbirth? Hormonal changes may leave the vagina tender or dry. Use a lubricant or take some over-the-counter painkillers to ease things. If the pain persists, speak to your doctor about possible treatment.
  • Will it feel any different? Pregnancy, labour and a vaginal delivery can stretch or injure the muscles of the pelvic floor. These muscles support the uterus, bladder, and the small intestine, so in the beginning after child birth, sex may feel a little different. There are exercises known as Kegel toning which help to strengthen the pelvic muscles, especially those of the uterus and vagina.
  • What about birth control? To give your body a chance to recover, doctors recommend about 18 months before embarking on another pregnancy. You have several options for birth control, and the best advice would normally come from your doctor.
  • What if there is just no desire for sex? This is a real possibility as adjusting to life with a new baby will be difficult enough, and feeling guilty that you are disappointing your partner will not help matters. Talk to your mate, and if you are not yet ready for sex, in a loving relationship there are other ways of staying close to each other.
  • Exercise after childbirth. Taking care of yourself can go a long way towards lifting your spirits and keeping passions alive. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to restore your confidence, strengthen and tone your muscles, rekindle your desire for sex, and do wonders for your well-being. Other benefits of regular exercise include boosting your energy level, and promoting post-pregnancy weight loss.
  • Spend time with your partner. Spend time together without the baby, if even if it is just a few minutes in the morning and evening when the baby is asleep. Show affection to each other, as all the adjustments you have to make as parents, can take a toll on your relationship – and your love life.

Marriage is hard work, and it is even more difficult when there is a baby to care for that may cut into the time you are able to spend alone.

Work together and communicate with each other to keep your sex life alive and well. A happy and satisfactory sex life is one of the cornerstones of a happy marriage.

We can help

If you have recently gone through pregnancy and childbirth, and are concerned about your libido – we can help!

Herbal Remedies International have taken some of the most potent natural herb ingredients and developed formulas to enhance the sexual experience of both men and women, which also help to combat low libido issues. Our products are safe to take and do not need a doctor’s prescription.

Visit us at www.herbalremedies.co.za to view our extensive range of products and see how we can help you!