As a new mom, it may take a while for you to get used to the new schedule and the new body that comes along with having a baby. While your body heals, you may not be ready to have sex again right away, but you may still want some form of intimacy and an occasional orgasm. Masturbation can give you the best of both worlds. If you need a reason to justify getting in touch with yourself, you may want to know some of the benefits of masturbating postpartum.
Masturbation is a completely healthy and normal practice, but unfortunately, it's not as widely accepted as traditional intercourse — particularly for women. As HuffPost mentioned, a mere 8 percent of women ages 25 to 29 masturbate two to three times a week compared 23 percent of men who do. If you're not included in that 8 percent, there are plenty of reasons why you should be.
Vaginal dryness, sleep deprivation, and hormonal changes are just a few of the things new moms have to contend with that can have an impact on their libido. If intercourse is uncomfortable, inaccessible, or just plain uninteresting, it doesn't mean that you have to give up on intimacy all together. Masturbation is a safe alternative that can actually be a lot of fun for you and your partner (if you want to let them get in on the act!).
Besides being a surefire way to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, masturbation can help you get comfortable with your postpartum body, and help relieve some of the stress that comes along with caring for a newborn. And you can make things even more interesting with the use of sex toys and lubricants. So as you get used to life as a new mom, don't be afraid to use masturbation in place of and in addition to intercourse. You may find that once you start, you won't want to stop.
1
It Tides You Over
As Baby Center mentioned, doctors recommend waiting four to six weeks after giving birth before having sex again in order to give the uterus and the cervix time to heal. Once you've had your six-week postpartum checkup, your doctor will determine whether or not it is safe for you to resume having sex. But in the meantime, masturbation and oral sex are totally fair game.
2
It May Be More Comfortable
New moms often experience vaginal dryness, particularly those who breastfeed, according to What To Expect. As a result, intercourse may be uncomfortable in the first weeks postpartum. Masturbation can be a great pain-free alternative.
3
It Won't Result In Pregnancy
It's possible to get pregnant before your period returns postpartum, as Baby Center mentioned. Masturbation is one of the safest way to avoid an unplanned pregnancy until you and your partner decide if and when you plan to have more children.
4
It Helps You Reconnect With Your Body
Your body has been through a lot of changes lately. And some of those changes may be causing you to cringe or avoid the mirror all together. According to HuffPost, exploring your body with masturbation helps you become more comfortable with your body and pinpoint the things that turn you on.
5
It Helps Relieve Stress
Even if you have the most supportive partner in the world, the demands of being a new mom can leave you feeling a little frazzled. At the end of a long day of burping and diaper changing, you could use a little help unwinding. As Mind Body Green mentioned, having an orgasm through masturbation can help you relax.
6
It Doubles As A Workout
You won't be able to hit the gym right away after giving birth, but you can still get in a little cardio. Having an orgasm feels great, but it also gets your heart pumping. Mind Body Green also noted that masturbation is a cardio workout that is good for your heart health, blood pressure, and brain chemistry.
