Caring for your newborn baby is demanding, and you may not feel like having sex. Talk to your partner about these feelings. Getting enough rest and emotional support and eating a well-balanced diet can help boost your energy level.

Here are the topics we'll discuss in this section:

Resuming Sexual Activity

Vaginal Dryness

Breast Tenderness

Birth Control

Resuming Sexual Activity

You may have concerns about resuming sexual activity after the birth of your baby. Becoming a parent does not prevent you from being a loving partner. However, your body goes through many changes during the postpartum period, and sex with your partner may be uncomfortable at first.

Your body needs time to heal. Discuss with your doctor when it is appropriate to resume sexual activity. This is usually after your vaginal bleeding or lochia stops and your stitches have healed. Healing of the uterus, cervix and vagina takes place during the first 4 to 6 weeks after delivery.

Vaginal Dryness

The hormone estrogen is necessary for your body to lubricate the vagina for sex. After you give birth, your level of estrogen is low and having sex may be uncomfortable. Estrogen levels remain low while you are breastfeeding. The use of a water-based lubricant may help relieve discomfort.

Breast Tenderness

Let your partner know if your breasts are tender. Discourage your partner from touching your breasts during the postpartum period if you are bottle-feeding. Touching helps stimulate milk production. If you are nursing, breastfeed your baby an hour before having sex.

Birth Control

When you decide to have sex, choose a good birth-control method. Discussing birth-control choices with your partner before your baby is born is important. You can become pregnant in the first month after delivery. Breastfeeding does not prevent pregnancy. Ask your health care professional for more information about birth-control methods for the postpartum period.