Sexuality and emotions

The following are some examples of the possible range of sexual feelings and attitudes for new parents, as they resume their sexual relationship. There may be many others but the important thing to remember is to be honest about how you feel. Talk about what is going on for both of you and what you can do to express your love.

The woman
The partner

The woman

In relation to your sexuality you may be feeling:

	Insecure and 'unattractive' after giving birth. Worried about how your partner now sees you physically and sexually.
	Wanting to be loved and accepted in your new role (and in how you look) but only desiring intimacy through cuddling and kissing.
	Empowered and sensual after your birth. Wanting to have sex with the father of your beautiful baby.
	So tired and exhausted that when it comes to a choice between another hours' sleep and having sex, you'll gladly take the sleep!
	Like you want to avoid any physical contact, because you do not want it to lead to sex that you do not feel ready for yet.
	Overwhelmed by the demands of your baby on your body. You cannot give anymore of yourself to anyone.
	Enjoying your enlarged breasts and breast milk, it has put a new dimension on your sexual relationship.
	So absorbed by your new baby, that your relationship has taken a 'back seat'.
	Tender from stitches and concerned about how you will ever enjoy sex again.
	Surprised by the increased genital sensation you have after giving birth, you become aroused much more readily.
	Upset or embarrassed about how slack your vaginal muscles feel and how your partner feels (or perhaps what he may not feel) in the early months, when having sex.
	In love again, as you and your partner rediscover each other slowly and in your own time.
	Worried that you may conceive again, if you haven't started contraception yet.

or View All