Sex and Intimacy Post Baby

This week I approached this topic in my postnatal yoga circle. It was slightly uncomfortable for me, and possibly for some moms, but we did anyways, and I'm so happy we did.

We talk so much about our physical and mental health in the postpartum period, but why do we shy away from talking about sexual health? Probably because of centuries of societal programming...

One mom said at the end of our talk today: "I'm happy we discussed this, because it makes me feel less alone". And this, my friends, is exactly the point.

When we come together in a safe space, and allow each other to be seen and heard, without judgement, we can see a part of ourselves in others, which makes us feel less alone.

If you've just had a baby and don't feel like being physically intimate with your partner, you are not alone.

If your baby is 6 or 12 months old, and you still don't feel like being physically intimate with your partner, do you are not alone.   

If you feel guilty about any of this, you are not alone.

It might be helpful for you to remember that your desire and drive for physical intimacy will have its seasons. Just because you are in a low season right now does not mean that it will always be that way. After Winter, always comes Spring.   

If you haven't already, it might also feel good to have this conversation with your partner. Communication is key. What needs do you have that are not being met? What needs to they have that are not being met?

You might also want to consider: if you don't want to be, or can't be physically intimate with your partner, how can you connect or be intimate in another way? What is your love language, and how can you show your partner love without being physical?

And finally, if you've been experiencing physical pain during intercourse since having a baby, know that it doesn't have to be this way. A pelvic floor physiotherapist or sexological bodyworker can help.

Lets help break the stigma around talking about sexual health!

ps. If you are looking to join one of my online postnatal yoga circles you can get more info over here.