{"id":58405,"date":"2018-11-06T09:47:47","date_gmt":"2018-11-06T09:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/post-baby-sex\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T06:14:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T06:14:11","slug":"post-baby-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/post-baby-sex\/","title":{"rendered":"Sex After Birth: What to Expect and How Long to Wait"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"High<\/p>\n

Most expectant moms worry about what their sex life might look like after the baby arrives. <\/span><\/p>\n

With all the loose abdominal skin, enlarged breasts, stretch marks, scars, and excess weight, it’s no wonder pregnant women and new moms have a hard time picturing themselves hopping in the sack with the same desire and self-confidence as before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the days of partying until the wee hours and traveling to a new country on a two-day notice are behind you, it’s only natural that in this new role, you find yourself worrying about two things-  your libido <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> satisfying your partner’s sexual appetite when your lives are literally turned upside down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our couple’s guide offers insight into the changes that you and your partner can expect in the first year following the arrival of your baby, as well as some useful tips on how to overcome the obvious challenges and enjoy each other sexually even though so many things are now different.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What does postpartum sex mean?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

When a woman has given birth, she is likely feeling a wide range of emotions and may not be in the mood for sex. For some women, postpartum sex can be a way to reconnect with their partner and feel close again. <\/span><\/p>\n

For others, it can be a way to feel a sense of normalcy after having a baby and feel like their sexuality is not lost after having a child. However, for some women, having sex soon after giving birth can be painful and physically challenging.<\/span><\/p>\n

Postpartum sex means different things to different people – it can be sexual in nature, or it can simply be a way of reconnecting with your partner after the baby is born. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Why is postpartum sex so difficult?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

While it’s okay for things to cool down for a while after a baby is born, don’t consider the post-pregnancy phase as the beginning of the end of your sex life. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are hormonal changes and feelings of tiredness to consider. Take some time to tide over these things, and then start getting back to your normal routine of cuddling with your partner. <\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t go on worrying on and on about when you can have sex after a baby.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Marriage Challenges You Will Face After Baby<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
<\/span>What is sex like after having a baby?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
First-time parents-to-be face the most dynamic transition and are hardly ever truly prepared. The arrival of a new baby or the welcoming of an adopted child always yields a much higher demand on a parent’s energy than was expected. <\/span><\/p>\n
In every culture across the world,<\/span> marital planning<\/span><\/a> is inspired by family values, and most newlyweds will plan for children. Though many couples wonder how long after birth can you have sex? They may wait longer than was typical in decades past, but the challenging<\/span> dynamics of family<\/span><\/a> life are unchanged.<\/span><\/p>\n
So, can you have sex after having a baby? <\/span><\/p>\n
As a result of the changes children bring, parents often face a decline in their<\/span> lovemaking<\/span><\/a> after children. So you may think that sex life after kids will be sorted out individually, but it takes two to tango and make love, remember? <\/span><\/p>\n
Scheduling time for sex after birth or seizing moments of<\/span> intimacy<\/span><\/a> after the baby may seem awkward and like hard work at first, but once you are into it, you’ll think, “Hey, why didn’t we do this before?”<\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Secrets to a Happy Sexual Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
<\/span>Women: your sexual feelings after giving birth<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Cheerful<\/p>\n
Usually, after the birth of a child, you might feel physically and mentally drained from having sex. You might also question, “Will I ever be able to have sex again?” Know that not wanting sex after having a baby is normal.<\/span><\/p>\n
There are various factors that lead to a lack of desire for sex after giving birth. Some of them are:<\/span><\/p>\n
  • Vaginal trauma<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Stress<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Anxiety-related to body image<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Breast-feeding<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Baby’s sleeping habits <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
    Relax. You will heal.<\/span><\/p>\n
    In the end, motherhood will help you comprehend your needs and desires more deeply. You will long for intimacy with your partner, and things will fall back to normal. Also,<\/span> self-care is the key<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Tips for Couples to Survive Postpartum Depression<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
    <\/span>9 surprising truths about postpartum sex after birth<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
    There’s no doubt that postpartum sex is an amazing experience. But there are a few surprises you may not have known about it. Here are 9 of the most surprising truths about postpartum sex.<\/span><\/p>\n
    1. Loss of libido after birth <\/b><\/h3>\n
    If this question is plaguing your minds as a couple, we understand. Do not feel guilty about not having sex as often as you used to. The important point here is to stay connected. Think of it this way. <\/span><\/p>\n
    Even as you take over the role of a nurturer to look after your kids, try nurturing each other with intimacy. <\/span><\/p>\n
    There is a significant<\/span> loss of libido<\/span><\/a> after birth, but depending on your lifestyle, eventually, the frequency of having sex for married couples increases from once a week for new parents to 3-4 times a week as a few years pass by. So, do not worry.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Also, if you are wondering how to have a<\/span> healthy sex life<\/span><\/a> after children with the kids running around is possible, know that it is if you put your minds and bodies into it.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Maintaining a rockin’ sex life after kids or<\/span> rekindling a sex life<\/span><\/a> is not just a task to do. Consider it as an absolute necessity to stay connected with your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n
    The video below discusses the reasons for the loss of libido after birth and how that can be improved:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n