Postpartum Intercourse: Expect a Disruption
By Cristin Babcock, MD
While the birth of a child is among life’s most joyous occasions, it most assuredly turns life’s routines topsy turvy. Among the patterns to be disrupted is the new parents’ love life. Fortunately these disruptions are to be expected and are only temporary. Once life regains its equilibrium, so will lovemaking.
Intercourse can be painful for two to four months after delivery of a first child, less so after subsequent births. Moms who delivered vaginally without stitches should wait at least two weeks; most women aren’t comfortable for four to six weeks. Stitches usually dissolve within six weeks.
Some nursing mothers experience low hormone levels that leave them less lubricated. In such cases, personal lubricants or creams such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly can help until normal secretions resume. In cases of extreme pain, vaginal estrogen creams improve blood supply to the vaginal skin, resulting in thicker tissue, more elasticity, and an improved ability to make natural lubricants. The estrogen is poorly absorbed by the body, so nursing mothers don’t need to worry about breast milk. Estrogen creams do require a prescription.
Women who have delivered by a cesarean section also experience painful intercourse. The pain after a C-section is experienced deep in the pelvis rather than in the vaginal tissues.
Another source of disruption in lovemaking is sheer exhaustion. After breastfeeding, nurturing and caring for the baby around the clock, many moms are worn out and don’t feel like giving more during sex at night. New mothers may also experience temporary weight gain and feel less attractive to their partners.
Again, these changes are typical and temporary. However, if you have questions about postpartum sex, be sure to talk with your doctor or midwife.
While the birth of a child is among life’s most joyous occasions, it most assuredly turns life’s routines topsy turvy. Among the patterns to be disrupted is the new parents’ love life. Fortunately these disruptions are to be expected and are only temporary. Once life regains its equilibrium, so will lovemaking.
Intercourse can be painful for two to four months after delivery of a first child, less so after subsequent births. Moms who delivered vaginally without stitches should wait at least two weeks; most women aren’t comfortable for four to six weeks. Stitches usually dissolve within six weeks.
Some nursing mothers experience low hormone levels that leave them less lubricated. In such cases, personal lubricants or creams such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly can help until normal secretions resume. In cases of extreme pain, vaginal estrogen creams improve blood supply to the vaginal skin, resulting in thicker tissue, more elasticity, and an improved ability to make natural lubricants. The estrogen is poorly absorbed by the body, so nursing mothers don’t need to worry about breast milk. Estrogen creams do require a prescription.
Women who have delivered by a cesarean section also experience painful intercourse. The pain after a C-section is experienced deep in the pelvis rather than in the vaginal tissues.
Another source of disruption in lovemaking is sheer exhaustion. After breastfeeding, nurturing and caring for the baby around the clock, many moms are worn out and don’t feel like giving more during sex at night. New mothers may also experience temporary weight gain and feel less attractive to their partners.
Again, these changes are typical and temporary. However, if you have questions about postpartum sex, be sure to talk with your doctor or midwife.
