Adapting to life after having a baby can feel like an exhausting endeavor; with sleepless nights, constant feedings and diaper changes, and a lack of sleep, sex is often the furthest thing from new parents’ minds.

However, couples must remember that their relationship with each other goes beyond just being parents. Reconnecting and staying connected with each other on an intimate level is crucial for your emotional, spiritual, and physical health.

Understanding Postpartum Changes in Mind and Body

It can be difficult to do so sometimes, but you must try to remember that postpartum changes are a part of the healing process. Fatigue, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes can seem to work against you, impacting your interest in sex and many other things. Be kind to yourself, though, and be patient; allow your body the time it needs to recover.

Some of the most common postpartum changes that can challenge you include:

• Fatigue increases, and the lack of sleep can make you irritable, weapy, or forgetful, not to mention feeling constantly drained.
• Physical discomfort can include soreness, weakened pelvic muscles, possible stitches, and other factors that can make sex more uncomfortable than it was before the baby’s birth.
• Hormonal changes, including low estrogen levels, often are the cause of a much-reduced sex drive.
• Emotional ups and downs and other postpartum mood conditions, from exhaustion to depression, can influence your desire for intimacy.

Although it can be awkward to discuss postpartum sex, it’s an important discussion for couples to have.

Navigating Postpartum Changes in Sex

It’s helpful to keep in mind some vital tips to help you and your partner navigate sex after the birth of the baby.

Be Kind and Patient to Yourself

Oftentimes, it’s easier to remember to be kind to others than it is to be kind to yourself. However, you must do exactly that. Be patient and kind to yourself and your partner as you both adjust to parenthood. Your body (and your partner’s!) has gone through significant changes, and you must give it time for libido and desire to return to their pre-birth levels.

Communicate Honestly and Openly

Communicating honestly and often with your partner about your feelings during your recovery is essential. It’s the key to every healthy relationship, especially after a new baby is born. Talk to your partner about your discomforts, desires, and concerns so that you can gain their perspective and tackle challenges together.

Consider Physical Changes

Bodies typically change extensively after the trauma of pregnancy and childbirth, which can affect a person’s body image and self-esteem. These changes can, in turn, cause changes in libido. Always talk to your partner about your concerns about your body and focus on the positive aspects of your features.

Prioritize Self-Care

You must take care of yourself for the sake of your mental and physical health. Make time whenever possible to engage in self-care activities like your hobbies, relaxation techniques, exercise, etc. Rejuvenation and relaxation can go a long way when it comes to being in the mood for sex.

Getting Professional Help from Pasadena Perinatal Therapy

If you’re struggling with intimacy after having a baby, it’s important that you not only remember that it’s normal but also that we are here to help you through it. We can help you with strategies and tools that can help you improve your relationship, self-esteem, and satisfaction.

Reach out to our team today and let us know how we can help you! At Pasadena Perinatal Therapy, we want you to know you’re not alone and that rebuilding intimacy after a baby can be done!