Sex after giving birth

[honeyoatcereal]

so my husband and I had sex 4 weeks after giving birth...
is this bad? i know we're supposed to wait 6 weeks, but is this going to slow my healing???

also, how soon (when breastfeeding) do i need to start using bc?

 

[greenie]

Not entirely sure on your first question, I don't see why it would slow your healing - after all if your comfortable enough to do it then your healing must be going alright eh!

Breastfeeding (despite the myths) does not stop you from getting pregnant. So I'd recommend using B.C now. I've heard of people who thought it was a form of b.c and have fallen pregnant while bfing.

 

[RoseofLima]

The main thing to look for in reinitiating physical intimacy after birth is whether or not you have stopped bleeding. If you have- it shouldn't be an issue. My hubby and I made it to 3 weeks, then waited another week or so--and this has been my best post partum recovery by far!

Are you asking because you feel that this has impeded your healing in some way?

It is not a myth that breastfeeding causes ammenoreah. It really does suppress ovulation...however how long it suppresses ovulation varies from woman to woman depending on many factors-- whether or not the baby is getting any artificial nipples, how strong baby's suck is, whether or not baby is nursing throughout the night, the space between feedings-and just genetics.

If you are contemplating chemical contraception- be aware that it can have very detrimental effects on your milk supply.

 

[Robinsegg]

Usually, full-time, on-demand bfing will keep hormones in your system that will prevent pregnancy. However, I'd say talk to doc about it at your 6wk appointment. Doc will probably tell you to wait until baby is supplementing (with water, cereal or food). Then, a progesterone-only pill will be enough until you're finished nursing.

Rachel

 

[RedTulipMom]

It depends. Did you have a vaginal birth or a cesearean? Everyones healing is different. I had a vaginal birth and bled for 7 straight weeks afterward..so for me it wouldnt have been a good thing to be having sex after 4 weeks..my body wasnt ready. If you felt comfortable, your not bleeding, it didnt hurt..then chances are its ok.

 

[~Mrs. A2J~]

If it didn't hurt you should be fine. Hubby and I resumed 4 weeks after DD was born and it was fine. With DS we waited until 6 weeks as I was still having some pain in the area.

 

[jgonz]

The main thing to look for in reinitiating physical intimacy after birth is whether or not you have stopped bleeding. If you have- it shouldn't be an issue. My hubby and I made it to 3 weeks, then waited another week or so--and this has been my best post partum recovery by far!

Are you asking because you feel that this has impeded your healing in some way?

It is not a myth that breastfeeding causes ammenoreah. It really does suppress ovulation...however how long it suppresses ovulation varies from woman to woman depending on many factors-- whether or not the baby is getting any artificial nipples, how strong baby's suck is, whether or not baby is nursing throughout the night, the space between feedings-and just genetics.

If you are contemplating chemical contraception- be aware that it can have very detrimental effects on your milk supply.

I agree completely. You NEED to wait until you've stopped bleeding. That's a physical signal that your cervix has closed up (which is Very important~ you don't want a uterine infection. The risks of getting one are Far higher when you're on your period, or postpartum and still bleeding.)

I also agree completely about the breastfeeding part~ it is NOT a "myth" that breastfeeding suppresses ovulation. It is a scientific medical fact that breastfeeding does indeed suppress ovulation. However, each woman's individual body and levels of hormones do play in also, along with how often the baby nurses. Night nursing is very important. (With my 2nd to last baby, I didn't get my period back until he was 15 months old. Then I got pregnant with my last baby, who was 17.5 months old before I got my period back. I was nursing on demand, day & night~ no schedule.)

You should wait until you stop bleeding to have sex, and at Least until 6 weeks until you start any kind of bc. Hormonally based/chemical bc WILL affect your milk supply, so be very careful. A much better choice of bc would be a barrier method (like condoms) while breastfeeding.

 

[Assisi]

The ladies have it well covered... just keep and eye (and a nose) out for infection. If you notice any bad odours get it checked out.

As for birth control. Ovulation returns at different times for different women. Breastfeeding does suppress ovulation, but really you can't know when it will return for you after this pregnancy. You will probably ovulate before you have your first period, so waiting until you have a bleed will not be effective if you need to space your children. I would also warn against hormonal birth control.

Congratulations on your new child!

 

[sparassidae]

No one has mentioned it so far, but learn natural family planning, or the Billings Method. This teaches you your signs of returning fertility, so there isn't any 'guesswork' about when to use bc or not.

Hope this helps

 

[Jemma]

If you are contemplating chemical contraception- be aware that it can have very detrimental effects on your milk supply.

I second this. Condoms are probably the best way to go if you want to be extra-careful. I wouldn't rely on breastfeeding only, as a contraception. My friend was a champion breast-feeder - she used to donate excess milk (even after freezing what she needed) to one of the local organisations that help with newborn babies. She also got pregnant before a period post-partum, exclusively breastfeeding. What a shock to her and her DH that was!

Unfortunately I have personal experience with chemical contraception. I'm not sure if it was ONLY the mini-pill (progesterone-only pill) or other factors that contributed, but my milk went haywire quickly. I had Post-Natal Depression too, though, so that could've been related. Very distressing time. Still upsets me today, even though DD is over two years old.

 

[RoseofLima]

No one has mentioned it so far, but learn natural family planning, or the Billings Method. This teaches you your signs of returning fertility, so there isn't any 'guesswork' about when to use bc or not.

Hope this helps

That's what we use! I heart Billings because I am seriously lazy- and I like that I don't have to do anything to monitor my fertility

 

[Assisi]

That's what we use! I heart Billings because I am seriously lazy- and I like that I don't have to do anything to monitor my fertility

We use Billings too and are currently monitoring the return of fertility after pregnancy. Yay for Billings!

 

[mldg]

I had sex right away and it was okay for us. we did with both of our kids. No problem.

I started the IUD 6 months after I gave birth and I was still on BC.

 

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

grrr I want to.... do the deed... but I am still bleeding off and on....mostly off. 3 weeks post partem right now....three to go... unless dr clears me next week.

 

[honeyoatcereal]

Well I'm wanting to do NFP/FAM but I wasn't sure when I'm supposed to start taking my temperatures again.

if I don't usep rotection/condoms the first 6 weeks postpartum, what are my chances of conception?

 

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

how do you do the billings method????

don't have the money to get anything medical right now

 

[Assisi]

I'll start a new thread with some info...don't want to derail!