When to have sex after childbirth?

Postpartum sex is a topic that is swept under the carpet more often than not. A woman experiences many changes, both physical and mental, after giving birth to a child. After a baby is born, couples often concentrate more on child care and 'getting into the mood' gets obstructed by many new duties. However, it would help both partners to give the thought some time so that they can ease into it eventually.

When a woman can have sex after childbirth depends on how the baby was delivered. Though there isn’t any period to restart sex after giving birth, the health experts advise a waiting time of four to six weeks. The same waiting period is recommended for both women who delivered vaginally or through C-section as the chances of complications are high if sex is kick-started early. The four to six weeks of waiting time would give enough time for the woman’s body to recover from childbirth.

After giving birth, a woman can experience vaginal discharge and tears, tiredness, pain and low sex drive. It's better to wait for a longer period if surgery was done to correct the vaginal tear. The hormonal changes can make the vagina dry and sensitive. If a woman had an episiotomy or a vaginal tear, sexual intercourse can be painful.

Other factors that can affect postpartum sex
Woman’s sex drive
Women’s health and quality of life
Woman’s emotional connection with the partner to get back in the sack
Woman’s ability to balance the roles of a mother and a sexual being
The hormonal changes, especially in breast-feeding moms
Tiredness and lack of sleep
The pain following a tear in the vagina and vulva

How to make postpartum sex enjoyable
Try to have sex when both partners are mentally ready, energetic and relaxed
Try to talk to your partner and keep the warmth going if there is a reduced sex drive or a fear of pain during sex. Find time to spend with your partner in the morning or when the baby is sleeping. Share love, that’s the key.

If it is still tough to get physically cosy with the partner, try to find out if there are any symptoms of postpartum depression, which include mood swings, lack of appetite, tiredness and melancholy all around. Consult a doctor if such symptoms crop up. With correct diagnosis and treatment, one can get out of the postpartum depression vortex.

Keep in mind to take the contraception route while having sex after childbirth, especially when a woman is breastfeeding her baby. A woman needs proper care after giving birth to the child and that would also help a couple to have an everlasting emotional connection.