Reclaim Sex After Birth

What is lochia?
Why do women bleed after birth?
Healthy vagina, healthy discharge
Vaginal bacteria and infections
Common vaginal infections

Immediately following birth women experience a discharge medically termed lochia. It is first mixed with blood, much like a period, that begins as a heavy flow and becomes lighter and brownish over time, ending as a yellowish white discharge.  Read the rest of this article.

Hormone levels in pregnant and recently birthed women goes from one extreme to the other. These massive hormonal changes directly effect mood, the way a woman reacts to events and the meaning she places on things that are said and done ( and NOT said and NOT done..)

The main hormone produced during pregnancy is progesterone and this steadily rises as pregnancy progresses. It is matched with the rising production of estrogen – and this huge gushing and influx through the day, throughout pregnancy; is responsible for the myriad of emotions experienced by the pregnant and new mother.

Many women feel very sexy, within their feminine power whilst they are pregnant. Some lose any inhibitions they may have had ( especially with body image) and passionate, loving sex ensues. Of course there is the other end of the spectrum where the male partner may be repelled at their partners shape or have emotional issues with the changing nature of their partner, or a woman who either through dreadful morning sickness, emotional trauma or exhaustion, has their sex drive drop below zero.

Hormone levels rapidly decrease after birthing, and dependant upon the health of the woman, may fall contributing to PND and adjustment issues. After birthing you still produce estrogen, but much less progesterone. If a woman is not eating healthful foods, resting and feeling nurtured, it may lead to the hormones becoming out of balance or having “Too much estrogen” in the world of medicine is called - “estrogen dominance”. ( Look it up – but amongst the list of complaints is LOW SEX DRIVE)

Again – on the other hand, there are women who birth and feel very empowered, their sex drive kicks in and are ready to go! There really isn’t a ‘norm’ here. Throughout pregnancy and after birthing, it is very important to nurture the new mother and allow her to know that its normal to have these feelings of being overwhelmed, to keep up the intimacy, gentle touches etc. Having a strong relationship with clear communication and thoughtfulness on the part of each partner is the key. Both may be feeling confused, exhausted or excited and the loving touch is a gentle reminder that they are not alone. Allow the pace to go where it will, with no judgments. A rejection of sex is not a rejection of the person. It’s a ‘Not now or Not in this space or Show me you really love me” message. This is where you need to be familiar with your partners primary “Love Language” – so that you can indulge each other in the way that you feel loved and they receive love.