We all know that intimacy is an important aspect of any healthy relationship. But if you and your partner have just had a baby, chances are that this special quality, especially the sexual kind, is the last thing on your priority list right now. This can lead to irritation, insecurity, and even depression for some couples.
Don’t fret. Postpartum intimacy issues are not only entirely fixable (and often very temporary), they are also incredibly common. So common, in fact, that not having postpartum intimacy issues is almost unheard of, even if not every couple admits to them!
You’re far from alone if postpartum intimacy is posing challenges in your relationship. That’s why we’re going to look at the prevalence of postpartum intimacy challenges for couples, as well as give you some actionable tips for working through them in a way that’s gentle but effective.
A Closer Look At The Postpartum Experience
The postpartum phase, also known as the puerperium, is the period after childbirth when the mother’s body anatomically and otherwise returns to its non-pregnant state. During this time, the body undergoes many changes that can impact hormonal, mental, and emotional aspects of life.
Furthermore, while the postpartum period largely relates to the changes the mom’s body is going through, it can also have a significant emotional and psychological impact on the other partner.
Childbirth is an intense process. It leaves the body feeling exhausted and in need of time to heal, rest, and focus on caring for the new baby. During postpartum, it’s completely normal for couples to feel a sexual disconnect that impacts their intimacy levels.
How Do We Work Through Postpartum Intimacy Challenges As A Couple?
Learning more about the postpartum phase is one of the best ways to navigate it more effectively. But there are also some simple, everyday habits or practices you and your partner can embrace for naturally enhanced intimacy and a restored sense of connection to each other—sexually, emotionally, and otherwise.
Here are five of them:
Get Some One-On-One Time
Setting aside time specifically for you and your partner (without the baby) is a healthy and important thing to do in the early phases of parenthood.
While, of course, it can be difficult to be apart from your precious little one, ask a trusted family member or friend to look after them for a night while you and your partner spend time together with zero distractions. It can do a world of good.
Compliment And Appreciate Your Partner
When you’re raising and caring for a baby, it can be hard to feel sexy. That’s just the truth. Between diaper changes, milk throw-ups, and sleepless nights, you hardly feel or look your best! But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to appreciate about your partner or them to appreciate about you.
Giving your partner a few genuine compliments throughout the day can boost their confidence and rekindle a sense of intimacy and flirtation between you. It also shows appreciation for one another.
Focus On Foreplay
Although there are many forms of intimacy worth exploring in any romantic relationship, sexual intimacy can be one of the most important. But when your sex drive isn’t what it used to be and getting “in the mood” feels awkward, start by focusing on foreplay rather than leaping straight into intercourse.
Slow, sensual massages, making out, playing with couples’ toys, oral sex, or even just snuggling are all intimacy-enhancing activities that can get your hormones flowing without requiring you to leave your comfort zone. Plus, they just feel really good! And feel-good hormones might be exactly what you need right now.
Communicate Every Step Of The Way
If you or your partner (or both of you) are struggling to adjust to postpartum life while maintaining a regular sense of intimacy, talk to each other about it. Use the experience as an opportunity to bond and vocalize hopes, dreams, concerns, or ideas as a team.
Being honest about how you’re feeling will strengthen your relationship and make it easier to talk about other tough issues. The more you both say what you’re feeling, the better you can connect and support one another along the way.
Reconnect With yourself And Your Body
One of the many reasons new moms struggle to maintain a healthy sense of intimacy with their partner is due to the vulnerability that comes with physical and emotional changes.
Low self-esteem and feeling like you don’t recognize yourself can be difficult feelings to process. If you’re feeling out of touch with your body or don’t recognize it, you need to take steps to feel comfortable with the “new” you. Your body has done something miraculous, and you need to take the time to process this and reconnect with yourself. Exercising, spending time in nature, meditating, or even getting a fresh haircut or color can all help you to regain your sense of self.
Regaining That Special Spark
The first year of parenthood comes with an abundance of challenges, and postpartum intimacy is often one of them. However, by spending more time together, communicating, focusing on foreplay, and learning more about this phase, you and your partner can rediscover intimacy as parents and find joy, depth, and sensuality in your relationship once more.
Meta Title: Postpartum Intimacy: A Common Couples Challenge | Famous Parenting
Meta Description: Postpartum intimacy is one of the most common challenges faced by couples. Find out why it can be a stumbling block and how to move past it successfully.
Jessica has a flair for writing engaging blogs and articles. She enjoys reading and learning new things which enables her to write different topics and fields with ease. She also strives to break down complex concepts and make them easy for anybody to comprehend.
