How about a new honeymoon after childbirth? How is it possible? Sexual activity can be resumed after childbirth with affection, patience, and understanding. Some aspects must be considered:
Resuming sexual life: After childbirth, a woman needs time to recover from the physical and emotional changes she has experienced. Every woman has her own time needed to return to sexual activity. In general, the medical recommendation is for a woman to rest for at least 40 days. However, nothing stops the couple’s desire to have their first sexual intercourse after childbirth from being maintained, and care must be taken.
Sex without penetration: Sex is not just genital contact; in other words, it is not limited to penetration. During this new beginning, partners can experience pleasant physical and emotional sensations. By expanding their sensory focus, the couple should take the opportunity to give and receive caresses, kisses, hugs, cuddles, teasing, and compliments—a playful and intense game of seduction, without rushing or worrying about performance. Be creative before bed, when waking up, or during bath time. Surprise yourselves by developing a pleasurable intimacy that will keep the spark alive.
Masturbation: Masturbation should not be seen as something negative or objectionable. It is an activity that revalues a woman’s femininity, and it can be practiced without fear or hesitation. Also, masturbation increases the couple’s pleasure. Partners, by mutual agreement, can practice it together or can stimulate themselves individually while one watches the other without intervening. This complicity heats things up and prepares for the start of complete sexual activity.
Physical changes: It is natural to experience physical discomfort and changes in a woman’s sexual desire during the postpartum period. A woman may have reduced libido, vaginal dryness, fatigue from breastfeeding, insecurity, irritability, and sleepiness. Therefore, it’s essential that the couple maintains an environment of understanding, dialogue, and acceptance, thus avoiding any pressure. Understanding this moment of emotional and physical rediscovery between you both creates a favorable climate for the return of sexual pleasure.
Caring for emotions: Couples need to take care of their emotions. To rebalance sensations and emotions is important because, with the birth of a child, both paternal and maternal roles are born. It is common for some men to see their partner as a sacred figure and have difficulty seeing her again as a sexual partner. When a woman dedicates herself entirely to her child, she may forget to look after herself, her body, and her sense of self-care. Therefore, the partner should handle this situation calmly and affectionately. The couple should create moments when they can be alone to interact and talk about their feelings. This helps restore intimacy.
Caring for the body: Taking care of the body is essential for a woman to become stronger and feel good about herself. A doctor should be consulted about which exercises are most suitable. Vaginal exercises are also recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Beauty routines, skin, nails, and hair care also boost self-esteem and help women feel more attractive!
Satisfaction is the way: The pursuit of satisfaction should be the main focus, more than the expectation of orgasm. This is a phase of rediscovery for both partners, man and woman. So, the pursuit of pleasure, the enjoyment of caresses—without imposing limits or demands—should guide the couple along this gradual path. Finally, breaking with routine, developing creativity, using lubricants, accessories, and erotic toys, will help the couple attentively explore their fantasies, emotions, and sexual pleasure.
By Dr. Mirian Lopes, Psychologist specializing in human sexuality Bachelor/Licensed in Psychology from UNIP Postgraduate in Human Sexuality from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo – FMUSP Contact Dr. Mirian: Tel. (11)3262.1447 Email: [email protected] and also check out the site of Dr. Mirian by clicking here and on social media Facebook.
See also: The Importance of Talking About Sex With Your Children
Photos: Rowena Waack
