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SO you have just given birth and are currently
nursing your newborn child when suddenly an old familiar feeling
starts to creep in. It might start as a fleeting, barely noticeable
craving that slowly or suddenly turns into a gnawing desire. Before
you know it, your sex drive is in high gear once again. You might
feel that your body is not up to it yet, but your libido surely is.
So what does a new mom do when she starts to long for some loving?
A new mother needs to let her
body heal after giving birth before having intercourse again
regardless whether she has given birth normally or by cesarean
section. Medical experts suggest that moms wait for six weeks from
giving birth before engaging in sex. Ultimately though, only the
woman can say in definite whether she is ready or not. If you have
just given birth but feel that your body is already up for some
bedroom action, there are smart and safe ways to make love again.
Be flexible
Taking care of your baby will
definitely take its toll on your sex life. You will probably find
yourself too tired to “sleep” with your hubby at night after
nursing your newborn for a whole day. But having a baby need not
mean having to sacrifice sex altogether. Why not do it in the
morning after feeding your baby or while he or she is having a nap?
With a little flexibility, you and your husband can definitely find
some quiet time together.
Be creative
Making love after giving birth
may feel slightly uncomfortable especially if you are breastfeeding.
This is where your and your partner’s creativity in bed will come
in handy. Tell your husband to start slow and begin with gentle
touches and kisses. You could try different positions if you find
the positions you were used to difficult or painful to perform. Do
not be ashamed to tell your husband what feels comfortable and what
doesn’t. Keep in mind that in lovemaking, a little creativity can
go a long way.
Be safe
Although it is true that
breastfeeding can inhibit ovulation, it only applies to new mothers
who breastfeed at least eight times a day, whose menstruation has
not yet returned and has a baby that is less than 6 months old. This
means that even while breastfeeding there is still a good chance
that you could get pregnant especially when the frequency of
breastfeeding diminishes. So unless you want to get pregnant right
away, you should use contraception when you do decide to have sexual
intercourse.
Safe for breastfeeding
Progestin-only pills or POP are
safe to use even by breastfeeding mothers. As its name suggests, POP
does not contain estrogen, a hormone common in combined oral
contraceptives. Progestin is an effective contraceptive for
breastfeeding mothers since it does not affect the quantity and
quality of a mother’s breastmilk. It also does not harm the
baby’s health.
The POP is safe and affordable at
less than a hundred pesos a cycle. It contains a very small amount
of progestin and can be used by nursing mothers starting six weeks
after childbirth.
Besides the POP, breastfeeding
moms can also choose between injectable contraceptives and condoms.
The injectables, which work the same way as the POP, provide the
convenience of a three-month protection with only one injection.
So remember mommies, lovemaking
after childbirth is possible and can even be enjoyable, just make
sure to be flexible, creative, and safe.
Consult your health provider
before using any family planning method. The Trust Family Program
provides safe, effective and affordable contraceptive products such
as pills, injectables and condoms. For more information, log on to
www.tfp.com.ph.
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