10 Steps to Have Better Post-Pregnancy Sex

Emotions usually run high the first time a woman makes love after giving birth. For many, the tenuous transition into sex post-childbirth can be a bit like revisiting virginity. Tender and sore, many new mothers feel apprehensive and ill-prepared for intimate contact. The groin area can feel almost foreign to some, especially given stitches and the trauma typical of birth. So how does a mom cope in reclaiming her sex life post-pregnancy?

1. Get the green light from your doctor.The Mayo Clinic recommends waiting four to six weeks after giving birth, whether vaginally or by C-section, before having sexual intercourse. This is because your body needs time to recover, allowing for the cervix to close, postpartum bleeding to stop and lacerations or tears to heal. So check in with your doctor or nurse practitioner to ensure that everything is healed and that you're good to go in resuming sex play. Such reassurance will help psychologically, when intimate, as well.

2. Avoid putting pressure on yourself.Whether you've got a partner antsy to get sexually active again or you feel like all of the other Hot Mamas you know are already busy in the bedroom, don't put pressure on yourself to put out until you're ready. Sex is supposed to be pleasurable, and if you're not in the right state of mind or if your body isn't ready, then give yourself a break -- no excuses.

You can still support your partner's sexual needs, e.g., encouraging masturbation and the use of erotica, or assisting with arousal using sexual enhancements. Communicate with each other about barriers preventing you from sexually connecting, then formulate a game plan for dealing with any issues over the next few weeks or months. Realize, too, that a lot of women who are sexually active within weeks of childbirth are really taking one for the team. Asked point blank, most new moms will confess that sexual intimacy is the last thing on their mind; all they want is sleep!

3. Take a time-out for yourself.Women can do many things, and impressively at that, but hopping in the saddle after popping out a baby is a lot to expect of us. Before you can nurture your sex life, you need to nurture yourself. Whenever you can steal moments, become acquainted with your new body. Thank it for all it has done. Take care of it with a sensual bath or massage. Check in with your hot spots and your vulva, realizing that you may be sensitive -- and in a good way -- in new places now. Some women find certain areas of their body more erogenous than they were pre-pregnancy.