Sex After Birth – Intimate Gel and Breastfeeding (and Much More!)

During pregnancy, the body undergoes profound changes, and after the birth of the child, it regenerates at its own pace. The reality with a new person on board can be difficult, many questions arise - and we will try to answer some of them in this article. Let's get to work!

During pregnancy, the body undergoes profound changes, and after the birth of the child, it regenerates at its own pace. The reality with a new person on board can be difficult, many questions arise - and we will try to answer some of them in this article. Let's get to work!

Are you ready for changes in your sexual life?

Interestingly, childbirth classes provide information about how the body will change during and after pregnancy, but often omit an honest and open discussion of how these changes affect the sex life of EACH partner. Scars froma cesarean section or episiotomy, aching body, stretch marks, sometimes nipples irritated by feeding and milk leaking fromthe breasts during intercourse... Who talks about it? Nobody. And it's no wonder that for some people the very thought of returning to intercourse seems terrifying.

I wrote about the medical side of returning to sexual activity in another text , which I cordially invite you to read. The most important thing is to go for a gynecological consultation after the postpartum period, where the doctor will assess your readiness to resume sexual activity.

Additionally , you can consult a urogynecological physiotherapist to make sure that everything is OK with your pelvic floor muscles .

Today, however, I would like to address the topic of sex after childbirth (and postpartum!) from a more technical perspective. What intimate gel should I stock up on after childbirth?

Intimate Gel After Childbirth – Is It Necessary?

Lubrication after childbirth can be quite an important issue because it helps deal with difficulties such as vaginal dryness .

Vaginal moisturization after childbirth

Reduced interest in sex and even pain during penetration may seem normal after giving birth. But vaginal dryness? Yes, that's normal too. If you experience it, you're not alone.

Postpartum vaginal dryness is a common condition. Many people find that dryness makes sex uncomfortable or even painful. This is because the vaginal tissue is thinner, less elastic, and more susceptible to injury. However, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort.

If vaginal dryness is a topic you want to explore, I invite you to read Ewa Stanicka's article "Vaginal dryness – how to deal with it?" .

Which intimate gel should I choose after childbirth?

Water-based lubricants can help you get back into the swing of things. If your partner uses a condom, avoid oil-based lubricants as they can damage the condom .

Using water-based lubricant can make sex more comfortable.

It is best for this type of product to be fragrance-free (does not contain the irritating ingredient parfum ), and does not contain glycerin or parabens . Choose one that does not irritate the intimate area and additionally does not leave a sticky feeling .

An intimate moisturizing gel after childbirth will work better than any other.

If you are wondering about the impact of lubrication on fertility, read about it here.

Intimate gel and breastfeeding

Using a mild lubricant is safe for breastfeeding women. What you should be especially careful about are dyes and fragrances. It is important that the intimate gel used during breastfeeding does not contain harmful preservatives.

That's not all

Remember, it can take time to get your sex life back on track. There is no hard and fast rule about when you should start having sex again. For many people, it takes a long time to feel ready emotionally and physically to resume intimacy with their partner. Everyone is different, so it’s important not to rush or worry that something is wrong.

Always talk to your doctor if you are unsure about your condition. Consult your gynecologist or midwife if postpartum symptoms persist, the pain is unbearable or you are in any way concerned .

D. O'Malley, A. Higgins, C. Begley et al., Prevalence of and risk factors associated with sexual health issues in primiparous women at 6 and 12 months postpartum; a longitudinal prospective cohort study (the MAMMI study) , "BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth" 2018, vol. 18, i. 1, p. 196.