Help For Moms
Postpartum is defined as the six-week period after childbirth. This time is vital and sacred, both for the mother and her child. Through this adjustment period, you may experience perinatal discomfort such as dryness or tight muscles (resulting in painful intercourse), changes in emotional state, and body dissatisfaction. Many women over-look how much childbirth can affect their sex life and subsequent sexual experiences.
Since hormones are key components of healthy sexual response, low levels of testosterone-related hormones, estrogens, and DHEA-S can contribute to low sex drive. During and after pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant shifts in hormone levels, contributing to a loss of libido. Other factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, breast-feeding, and restricted calorie intake may also have an impact on libido.
We also created a free Postpartum E-Book. Download it now!
Many women express that they did not feel adequately prepared for the Postpartum phase of childbirth and the many ways it could affect their sex lives. At Maze, our all-female team of experts treat both the medical and psychological factors associated with low sex drive, orgasm challenges, painful intercourse and hormonal imbalances. If you are experiencing any of these issues, know that you are not alone and treatment is available. Contact us for a free phone consultation to see how we can help.
How long should I wait to have sex after pregnancy?
That said, if you would like to engage sexually with your partner sans penetration before your visit, we recommend checking in with your provider for safety’s sake. Most women aren’t necessarily ready for a return to sex soon after the baby arrives. The biggest factor that determines when you can have sex postpartum is how you are feeling. You’ve just birthed a human, you’re in recovery, you’re sleep-deprived, you’re experiencing a hormonal shift, of which your body has never known (nor will it ever again). You might be experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression (1 in 5 women report some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder). Are you breast feeding (which causes a natural dip in sex drive)? Do you have any/enough support? Are you getting any rest? Is your baby healthy? Do you have other children? All of these factors can influence libido and how long you should wait to have sex.
I’m experiencing pain during sex postpartum – help!
How long do Postpartum symptoms last?
Many women who experienced low-risk pregnancies, labors and births feel more like themselves by the time the Fourth Trimester is complete. No one should suffer in silence – whether discomfort or pain is behavioral or physiological, women should reach out to their care providers for help.
Postpartum Help – Dr. Bat Sheva and Jennifer Dembo (LMSW & Postpartum Support Specialist)
Other questions? Not sure if we can help? Take the next step and contact us for a free phone consultation.