Remember when you used to have sex just for the fun of it? You can do that again. You may state there are several hurdles in place; your child does command maximum attention. Your day is spent running after your child and juggling a ton of responsibilities. And having a child is a great thing, but don’t let it stop you from being intimate with your partner.
So how can you go back to being yourself in the bedroom and what are some ways to rekindle your sex life after having a baby?
With a little patience and expert advice from Dr Manjiri Mehta, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician at Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, you can reignite the flame of passion with your partner postpartum. She shares details about safety, the changes your body goes through and maintaining vaginal hygiene.
1. How does childbirth affect your sex life, what’s different?
The process of childbirth affects sex life in two ways, one is immediately after delivery and then slightly later. Immediately after delivery whether normal or caesarean, the body has undergone stress and it is recuperating. The sexual organs are sore, painful, and the drive is also very low due to physical, hormonal and emotional reasons. Speak to your doctor about ways of reducing discomfort and about the right ways of resuming sex life.
2. When is it safe to start having sex?
There is no fixed time that is safe to start sexual activity again; it can vary a lot from person to person. After a caesarean delivery, the complete healing of stitches takes about 6-8 weeks and hence that is the minimum time one should wait to resume their sexual life. The same holds true after a normal delivery too.
3. Do you need additional lubrication? What are signs your body is not ready?
Sometimes you may feel the vagina is dry, especially if you are breastfeeding your baby. This is purely because of hormonal changes. Give your body at least 2-3 months to get the balance back. In the meantime, any inert medically tested lubricant jelly can be used.
4. Are you more prone to infections?
During the period after delivery, infections can occur easily due to rawness of the area and low immunity. Also, stitches near the vagina (Episiotomy) can certainly make you prone to infections. Speak to your doctor about ways of keeping infection at bay.
5. How do you maintain vaginal hygiene?
Maintaining vaginal hygiene is important during this period. It is easy to keep yourself clean and dry. Wash your private parts with a disinfectant soap every time you use the washroom. Apply antibiotic cream as advised by your doctor in case of vaginal stitches.
5 Products To Boost Sexual Wellness
It is common to face issues in the bedroom postpartum. Lack of lubrication, unable to achieve orgasm and more such problems can get frustrating for couples trying to rekindle their sex life after having a child. Here are some products to help you get intimate again with ease.
1. Condoms
One of the safest ways to avoid the transmission of STIs as well as to significantly diminish the chances of an unwanted pregnancy is to use condoms. With a variety of condoms available in the market to suit your every need, you can indulge in pleasure without a worry.
From brands like Durex, Kohinoor and Kama Sutra to types like Extra Thin, Dotted and Ribbed, Nykaa offers a range of condoms.
2. Lubricants
Using lubricants should be natural, not awkward. They make physical intimacy a lot more easy and fun and eliminate the chances of painful sex. Make the most of lubes and upgrade your sex life.
That’s Personal has a variety of lubricants like water-based, silicone-based, flavoured and even sachets. They even have a Corona sale happening right now!
3. Books
Want to learn more about your body and sexual intimacy? Then get some books online or download the audio versions for privacy. Knowledge comes in all forms and the curiosity to know more can be beneficial in the bedroom.
Get a range of books from Shycart about relationships, sex education and even Kamasutra!
4. Sexual Enhancers
Products that improve your sex life are not just limited to condoms and lubes. Sexual enhancers address physical problems and improve performance.
Get a variety of enhancers like Shilajit, arousal creams and Ayurvedic products at Nykaa.
5. Oils & Lotions
Setting the mood right is no more a task with some fun massage oils and lotions for you and your partner. Light some candles, put on soothing music and give your partner the gist of a sensual massage.