After giving birth, many women may feel anxious about resuming their sex life. While pregnancy and childbirth are awe-inspiring experiences, they can significantly impact a mother's body. Antenatal classes often provide information about the physical changes that occur during and after pregnancy, but the effect on one's sex life is often overlooked.
There is no fixed timeline for resuming sexual activity after childbirth. Some women wait for their six-week postnatal check, while others take longer to feel emotionally and physically ready to resume intimacy with their partner. Healing takes time, and it is crucial not to rush or worry that something is wrong. It is essential to take things at your own pace. Initially, you may feel sore and tired after childbirth, so sex may not be your top priority. It may take time to get used to changes in your body's physical appearance, such as swollen breasts, a weakened pelvic floor, a less-than-flat tummy, and stretch marks, before feeling ready to have sex again.
Breastfeeding can also cause vaginal dryness due to the drop in oestrogen levels in the body. Some physical changes may make sex less pleasurable at first, and it may take time before sex resumes to its normal quantity and quality. Once you start feeling like yourself again, there are some great ideas to help get you in the mood and ease you back into your sex life.
Natural Lube
Following pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to dryness and irritation in the vaginal area. However, using personal lubricants can help alleviate these symptoms by hydrating and soothing the delicate tissues, making sexual activity more comfortable and enjoyable. For intercourse, we suggest trying out YES WB (water-based) or YES OB (plant oil-based) organic lubricants, which are natural and safe to use. Additionally, YES OB can also be used as a sensuous massage oil to further enhance intimacy with your partner.
Organic Nipple Balm - Odylique
Odylique's nipple balm is packed with natural ingredients to comfort and safeguard delicate skin from painful cracking. The balm is both Soil Association certified and fragrance-free, making it safe for use before, during, and after breastfeeding. As a bonus, you can even apply it to the perineum after delivery to speed up the healing process. This balm is truly a wonder-worker!
Nursing Bras – Hotmilk Lingerie
Hotmilk's maternity and post-pregnancy lingerie collection is thoughtfully crafted by mothers, for mothers, with the goal of celebrating and empowering women. The range offers both practicality and sophistication, giving you the chance to explore and indulge in what looks and feels amazing on your beautiful new body. Discover this gorgeous collection and feel confident and sexy during this special time in your life!
Skin Nourishing Products - Neal’s Yard Mother Organic Collection
Treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering after giving birth with the delightful Mother Organic Collection from Neal's Yard. Nourish your skin with Mother's Balm, which contains a blend of natural oils and beeswax to improve skin firmness and elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Then immerse yourself in a calming bath with Mother's Bath Oil, which contains invigorating essential oils that soothe your senses and nourish your skin. Finally, have your partner give you a relaxing massage with Mother's Massage Oil, infused with Neroli and Wheatgerm oil, which are rich in vitamin E. This certified organic collection will leave you feeling sensuous and revitalized in no time!
A Post-Natal Family Retreat - & Breathe Post-Natal Retreats
Why not plan a post-lockdown treat for yourself? You may think that going on a family holiday after giving birth is the last thing you need, but & Breathe's post-natal retreats are a game changer. These retreats are specifically designed to aid in the healing and bonding process for families after childbirth, and offer a variety of packages in different locations. Expert nutritionists and instructors are on hand to enhance your experience, and activities incorporate fitness, food, and relaxation. Parent and baby bonding sessions are also available, and childcare is provided during workout classes, allowing you and your partner to enjoy some much-needed alone time. So, while sex after childbirth may take some time and may be different from pre-baby sex, it can still be just as, if not more, sensual, satisfying, and exciting. The important thing is to do it on your terms, when you're ready.