MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

MENSTRUAL CYCLE You will probably have your next menstrual cycle sometime within 7-9 weeks after giving birth. If you’re breastfeeding, it could be a bit longer—most often at about 4-6 months. Some women who breastfeed don’t get a period until they stop breastfeeding. But—and this is important—your body may begin producing eggs before your first period. This means you can become pregnant again. Discuss your thoughts about future pregnancies with your health care provider before you resume sexual activity. SEX Having a new baby at home changes just about everything. Babies take up a lot of your time and energy, making it tough for many new parents to recapture their closeness as a couple. Experts agree that couples should be open about how they’re feeling about resuming sex. Open communication can help minimize frustration and misunderstanding. If you had a tear, episiotomy or cesarean incision, you may have concerns about having sex again. Tears and incisions can take a full 6 weeks to heal, so be sure you share this information with your partner. You may experience vaginal dryness and reduced lubrication because of the hormones associated with pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. This is completely normal and it will improve. When you’re ready, a water-based lubricant can help with this. If you experience difficulty with sexual intercourse, always discuss it openly with your partner. A few times a week, set aside time for each other without the baby to enhance intimacy and rebuild a satisfying sex life. Sharing your feelings about sexuality is the most effective way to get and stay close—physically and emotionally.

11

Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care