Giving birth and parenting usually involves changes in a woman's sexuality, as much as does her physical changes and emotional adjustments. Changes may also be apparent in her partner's sexuality, and how he feels about the intimate relationship the woman has with her baby and in a few cases, how he might perceive her body after the birth. These changes may be positive or negative for either person in the relationship. However, the way you and your partner feel about any changes in your sexuality, will influence your lovemaking, and affect your relationship.
Both women and men will have various feelings about sex and intimacy after the birth. These feelings will also vary widely from other men and women who have recently had a child. As a couple, you have shared a very intimate experience in your life, through the birth of your child. For some, this can make their expression of sexuality more difficult, for others it can create times of renewed intimacy and a special rediscovery of each other. In the weeks after the birth, it is important to communicate what is going on for each of you and how this is affecting your relationship. In the midst of making your transition to early parenting will also come the need to respect when (and how) the other person wants to express their sexuality.
Be aware (as if you didn't notice) that in the middle of your 'postnatal relationship' is now a new baby, who has demanding needs of their own. Therefore, each parent's libido is now affected by the inevitable tiredness and stress that comes with early parenting, as well as possibly other issues such as financial strains, personal responsibilities and perhaps relationship conflicts. Even finding the time (or the space) to engage in uninterrupted sexual activity becomes a challenge!
For some women, the birth of their baby may have been quite a traumatic experience.