Adjusting to the new roles of parenthood can be an
exciting, yet extremely challenging part of life. Many aspects of daily
living are altered and you need to adapt to new demands and growing
responsibilities.
Amidst all of these changes, sexual concerns are
frequently overlooked. It is important, though, that you and your
partner resume sexual relations in the most satisfying ways possible.
Just as it takes time for you to feel comfortable about baby care, it
may take a while before lovemaking returns to normal.
Before resuming sex, check with your health care
provider to be sure that you are physically healthy. Also, you need to
decide on an appropriate birth-control method if you choose not to
become pregnant again right away. Some women believe that breastfeeding
inhibits ovulation. In some cases it does, but just because you do not
have a menstrual period while you are breastfeeding, you may still be
ovulating. It is always a good idea to talk to your health care provider
about birth control before leaving the hospital. However, many providers
wait until the first postpartum visit.
After delivering a baby, you may find that you
have very little interest in sex. Biological changes as well as new
demands on time and energy can sap physical desire. One of the most
common reasons new moms tend to experience a drop in sexual desire is
the drop in hormones. Another is an altered body image.
