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Regardless of how your baby was birthed – either naturally or through C cection, your body has had many changes in the past 9 months and has many to look forward to as it heals and repairs. During childbirth, the muscles and skin of the birth canal (vagina) are stretched and sometimes torn. They heal over time but are never exactly the same. A long second stage of labor may also weaken these tissues.

Minor grazes and tears to the neck of the womb, the vagina, the labia and the perineum usually heal quickly. Women who have wounds from an episiotomy or a more serious tear will need more time to heal, especially bed rest in the first two weeks and extra care to assist in the healing process.

In anycase, most women fear the first time they have sex after birthing. This fear may be conscious or unconscious, but will effect the way she reacts and interact with her partner. While lubricant can assist with easing friction, it will not address the issue of natural lubrication and the hormones in charge of the production of it. See either a medical or alternate/ natural practitioner for more info on supporting your hormonal levels through supplementation.

Most couples wait for the magical 6 week mark and are dreadfully disappointed when that incredible pre birth sex doesn’t happen. The physical facts are that within six weeks of birthing, your uterus should be back to its pre-pregnancy weight and size. Breastfeeding assists in stimulating the hormones released around this function. This is the reason that you are meant to have a six week check up and then are medically are ‘fit’ to commence intimate relations. Ignored and unaddressed are the emotional and psychological changes that have occurred.

While sexual activity may decrease, your need for love and understanding from each other increases. Your partner will be as concerned about your wellbeing as you are and won’t want to hurt or harm you.

Showing your love and support are especially during the first few months of being a parent. There are many ways of showing your affection, maintaining the connection with your partner and having sexual contact with your partner, without having penetrative vaginal sex. Physical affection includes hugging and cuddling, holding hands, kissing - and ensuring that we tell our partners that we love them. Communicating your needs and encouraging your partner to communicate his are also important. Perhaps you can explore alternatives to vaginal sex while you allow your body to rest, heal and recover from birth (it takes up to and sometimes longer than 12 months for the a woman's body to fully recover from birth).

I'd suggest anyone interested to go to http://reclaimsexafterbirth.com/ as there are free articles and lots of free info specially in this area. In no way does it demonize men nor pass judgments - there is a spot for asking questions too.

Wait at least 6-8 weeks after normal vaginal delivery before you have sex. Obviously, if you have a Caesarean section, the schedule would be different. As long as you are sufficiently healed, sex should not hurt after you have a baby, although it may feel different than it did before and you may need to use lubricant.

it is WAY normal, it will most likely hurt the first few times, lol, i know it did me, and i waited about 6-7 weeks also, i was scared, lol. But make sure you use lube, because your vagina is naturally a little drier after you have a baby. So just tell your husband/ boyfriend to take it easy and if he watched the delivery he will understand, lol you'll be back to havein fun soon!

Yes it can take longer than the six weeks to fully heal. I had a ten pound baby and it took like four months for me to be able to enjoy sex again. It sucks but it will get better

yes this is normal, especially if you had a vaginal delivery. Make sure your partner is understanding and allows plenty of time for foreplay. If necessary use a lubricant. Try and relax as much as possible, and don't rush things. You will get your groove back!

Cheers!

Yes, many women have pain for months following delivery. If you are concerned or have any bleeding, please get a pap.