Having sex after giving birth may be something you are reluctant to do, at least for a while. However, the following things can be taken into consideration so that mothers are no longer afraid to have sex after giving birth.
Changes in physical and emotional conditions after giving birth often make women feel less passionate. Some women who have just given birth are even reluctant to have sex because they still feel insecure about their body shape.
A number of things that also often make women "lazy" to have sex after giving birth are pain in childbirth scars, fatigue, lack of sleep, and worry about the demands of being a mother who has just begun.
Plus, if you are breastfeeding, the production of the hormone prolactin can also decrease your desire and desire to have sex.
Then when can you have sex again?
In general, having sex after giving birth is okay, as long as the postpartum period or postpartum bleeding has finished. Usually, the puerperium will end about 3 weeks after giving birth. However, there are some women whose postpartum period is longer.
now, why is it necessary to avoid sex until the puerperium ends? The goal is for your reproductive organs to recover faster and minimize the risk of infection in the uterus.
However, every woman has a different readiness to be able to have sex again after giving birth. This relates to his readiness physically and emotionally. That is why, even though it is permissible to have sex again after the postpartum period is over, there is still no definite rule regarding when to have sex after giving birth.
If you are mentally ready but are still worried that your physical condition has not allowed you to have sex again, try to consider what method or method of delivery you are undergoing.
Sex after normal delivery
If you give birth vaginally, it is advisable to delay sex until the postpartum period is complete or until 6 weeks after giving birth.
Sex after cesarean section or episiotomy
If you gave birth by cesarean section or underwent an episiotomy during vaginal delivery, the best time to have sex is after the stitches from this procedure have healed. The length of recovery time depends on the physical condition and the wound care performed afterward.
If you are in doubt, check with your doctor and ask if you are allowed to have sex again or not after a normal delivery or after a cesarean section.
So that Sex After Childbirth Runs Smoothly
While waiting for the recovery process after giving birth, you can practice Kegel exercises to train the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles. Mothers also need to replenish the energy drained during childbirth by eating healthy and balanced nutrition.
If you feel confident about returning to sex, to delay and space out your pregnancy, consider using contraception. The choice of contraception will be adjusted to the conditions and needs of the mother. So, don't hesitate to consult a doctor, okay?
Here are some things you need to know when deciding to have sex again after giving birth:
1. Sex can improve sleep quality
After giving birth, there are many things that can disrupt your sleep time. In fact, adequate and quality sleep is needed so that the mother remains enthusiastic and can take care of the little one.
nowOne way that can be done to improve the quality of sleep is to have sex with your husband. Therefore, as much as possible, still make time to have sex with your husband, Mother.
2. Accept changes in body shape
Mothers may still feel less confident with their body shape after giving birth. Weight gain, stomach that is still slightly enlarged, and strokes stretch marks around the stomach and thighs can make you reluctant to have sex with your husband.
However, don't procrastinate with this body shape change, OK? Mother must remain confident to have sex with her husband. If you are worried, don't hesitate to open up to your husband and share everything that makes you less confident.
3. Sexual intercourse does not always have to be penetrative
After giving birth, you and your husband may be a little hesitant to have sex until the penetration stage. Calm down, Mother, sexual satisfaction does not only have to be penetration, how come.
There are still many ways to enjoy sex. For example, you and your husband can hug, kiss, and make small touches on sensitive areas.
However, you should avoid having oral sex on a woman's intimate area for a few weeks after giving birth, because it can increase the risk of reproductive organ infections. In fact, although it is rare, oral sex in the vagina can cause air embolism that can be life threatening.
4. Do it foreplay
As much as possible always warm up and foreplay before having sex. This is so that you and your husband are more comfortable. If necessary, use a lubricant. In addition to making it more comfortable, the use of lubricants can also reduce the risk of injury to the vagina during penetration.
This is an explanation of sexual intercourse after giving birth. If you and your husband are still hesitant to return to sexual intercourse or if you feel pain during sexual intercourse, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.