Sex and Sexuality After Vaginal Birth
To prevent infection in the uterus, do not have sexual intercourse
until all vaginal discharge has stopped, your stitches have completely
healed, and your doctor says it’s OK. Since healing takes about 4 to 6
weeks, many doctors recommend no intercourse until after your postpartum
check-up. However, try to maintain emotional and sexual intimacy with
your partner until you can resume your normal sexual routine.
Love-making without intercourse may be a choice during this time.
It is normal right after having a baby not to feel like having sex
for a while. You may be concerned that sex will cause you pain. If so,
test your perineum by pressing on it with your finger or put a finger
into your vagina to see if it hurts. During sex use a position, such as
being on top, that allows you to control penetration. It is important to
find a way that doesn’t hurt. Pain causes the muscles to tighten in
anticipation of more pain. Vaginal dryness is a common side effect of
breast-feeding. If you have discomfort due to vaginal dryness, use a
contraceptive cream, or special lubricants, and longer periods of
foreplay. Discomfort from intercourse should lessen by the 3rd
postpartum month. For a few mothers, it can last for as long as a year.
Your partner may be interested in sex and you may not. Differences in
feelings about sex can cause tension and problems between the two of
you. Therefore, it is important to talk openly with each other about how
both of you are feeling. If you are not interested in sex because you
feel too tired, rest before you have sex. You may not be interested
because you don’t feel “sexy” anymore. You may be surprised to find that
your partner thinks you are sexier and more beautiful now than ever
before.
If you are breast-feeding, your desire for sex will probably return
to normal after your baby is weaned. Sexual arousal may cause your
breasts to leak milk. If leaking milk bothers you or your partner, try
feeding your baby before sex or wearing a bra and nursing pads during
sex.
Keep in mind that your body and your feelings about sex do return to normal!
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