Talking about sex
Having a new baby can come with a lot of changes. It’s important to consider how these physical and emotional adjustments impact your relationship and intimacy. Here are some things to consider:
- Hormonal, lifestyle and changes in energy level may impact interest in sex.
- Intimacy can be expressed through touching and spending time together.
- Communicate openly about your feelings.
- Consider birth control, child spacing when resuming sexual activity with a male partner.
- Remember you can speak to your health care provider if you have questions.
Sexual Intimacy
Many couples are able to continue sexual intimacy following childbirth. However, a large proportion of couples report a decrease in sexual activity during the period of transition to parenthood. You are not alone in feeling this way. Here are some reasons you and/or your partner may be having challenges with sexual intimacy after having a baby:
- Hormonal changes that occur following birth.
- Changes related to a woman’s body image following childbirth, especially if she had a caesarean section, an episiotomy, or laceration.
- Conflicts related to roles and the division of tasks with respect to caring for their child and household chores.
- Conflicts over finances.
This short video talks about Explaining Sexual Changes after having a baby. For more information the Couples and Sexual Health Research Laboratory has a series of short films (less than a minute each) that discuss what can affect both the sexual and relationship satisfaction of new parents.
This item was last modified on February 12, 2024