Labor and delivery (11)
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- Episiotomy: Can you deliver a baby without one?
- Inducing labor: When to wait, when to induce
- see all in Labor and delivery
Postpartum care (7)
- Exercise after pregnancy: How to get started
- Maternity leave: Tips for returning to work
- Weight loss after pregnancy: Reclaiming your body
- see all in Postpartum care
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Sex after pregnancy: Let your body set the pace
What about birth control?
Unless you're hoping to become pregnant right away, sex after pregnancy requires a reliable method of birth control — even if you're breast-feeding. Barrier methods such as condoms and spermicides can be useful. If you're breast-feeding and prefer hormonal birth control, it's important to select a method that won't decrease your milk supply. Your postpartum checkup is a great time to ask your doctor about the options.
What if I'm too tired to have sex?
Caring for a newborn is exhausting. If you're too tired to have sex at bedtime, say so. But that doesn't mean your sex life is over. You may prefer making love early in the morning or during your baby's nap. Feed your baby first to extend the time you and your partner have together.
What if I'm not interested in sex?
That's OK. There's more to a sexual relationship than intercourse, especially when you're adjusting to life with a new baby. If you're not feeling sexy or you're afraid sex will hurt, share your concerns with your partner. Also share your feelings about your new roles as parents. Although your primary role models are likely to be your own parents, remember that you and your partner can adopt your own approach to parenthood.
Until you're ready to have sex, maintain intimacy in other ways. Spend time together without the baby, even if it's just a few minutes in the morning and after the baby goes to sleep at night. Share short phone calls throughout the day or occasional soaks in the tub. Look for other ways to express affection. Attend to the spark that brought you together in the first place.
If communicating with your partner doesn't help, be alert for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. If your mood is consistently low, you find little joy in life or you have trouble summoning the energy to start a new day, contact your doctor promptly.
What can I do to boost my sex drive?
Go easy on yourself. Set reasonable expectations as you adjust to parenthood. Appreciate the changes in your body. Eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of fluids. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Rest as much as you can. Spend some time alone. Taking good care of yourself can go a long way toward keeping passion alive.
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