Whether
you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to
heal. Many doctors recommend waiting six weeks before resuming
intercourse. This allows time for the cervix to close, postpartum
bleeding to stop, and any tears or repaired lacerations to heal.

But
the other important timeline is your own. Some women feel ready to
resume sex within a few weeks of giving birth. Others need more time.
Factors such as fatigue, postpartum blues and changes in body image may
take a toll on your sex drive.

Your
vagina may be dry and tender, especially if you're breast-feeding. To
ease any discomfort, take it slow. Start with cuddling, kissing or
massage. Gradually build the intensity of stimulation. If vaginal
dryness is a problem, use a lubricating cream or gel. Try different
positions to take pressure off any sore areas and control penetration.
Tell your partner what feels good — and what doesn't.

If
sex continues to be painful, consult your doctor. A low-dose estrogen
cream applied to the vagina often helps. Rarely, complications of
healing may require additional treatment.

After
several vaginal deliveries, decreased muscle tone in the vagina may
reduce pleasurable friction during sex — which can influence arousal.
To tone your pelvic floor muscles, remember to do your Kegel exercises.
Simply tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping your stream of
urine. Try it for five seconds at a time, four or five times in a row.
Repeat throughout the day.

Unless
you're hoping to become pregnant right away, sex after pregnancy
requires a reliable method of birth control — even if you're
breast-feeding. Barrier methods such as condoms and spermicides can be
useful. If you prefer hormonal birth control, it's important to select
a method that doesn't interfere with breast-feeding. Your postpartum
checkup is a great time to ask your doctor about the options.

Caring
for a newborn can be exhausting. If you're too tired to have sex at
bedtime, say so. But that doesn't mean your sex life is over. You may
prefer making love early in the morning or during your baby's nap. Feed
your baby first to extend the time you and your partner have together.

That's
OK. There's more to a sexual relationship than intercourse — especially
when you're adjusting to life with a new baby. If you're not feeling
sexy or you're afraid sex will hurt, share your concerns with your
partner. Until you're ready to have sex, maintain intimacy in other
ways. Spend time together without the baby, even if it's just a few
minutes in the morning and after the baby goes to sleep at night. Share
short phone calls throughout the day or occasional soaks in the tub.
Look for other ways to express affection.

If communicating
with your partner doesn't help, be alert for signs and symptoms of
postpartum depression. If your mood is consistently low, you find
little joy in life or you have trouble summoning the energy to start a
new day, contact your doctor promptly.

Go
easy on yourself. Set reasonable expectations as you adjust to
parenthood. Appreciate the changes in your body. Eat healthy foods, and
drink plenty of fluids. Exercise regularly. Rest as much as you can.
Spend some time alone. Taking good care of yourself can go a long way
toward keeping passion alive.