Life
I'll admit it: I've believed many myths in my day. Like the one about heat lightening not being lightening, but some other type of weather phenomenon. Yep, totally bought into that one well into adulthood. Urban legends and old wives tales are passed down for so many years that sometimes it's hard to know what's fact or fiction without putting in some research. And no subject is off limits. Even myths about sex after childbirth make their way around the block, tempting a new mom to believe some crazy things about her vagina. Luckily, science has sorted this out for you and now you can erase these false beliefs from your memory forever.
After you have a baby, sex may be the last thing on your mind. With all the added responsibility a baby brings, getting busy may be low on your list. Or perhaps you're the opposite. You count down the minutes to nap time so you and your honey can have a quickie in the afternoon. Every mama is different, which is the best filter to use when you hear info about having sex after baby, since it can help you flag some as potential myths.
To set the record straight, take a look at these nine myths about sex after childbirth and never be duped again.
Myth #1: You'll Feel A Lot Of
It's a common myth that first time back in the sack is going to hurt like hell, but this is not so if you're patient. As Women's Health magazine pointed out, give your body time to heal from the birth and sex should feel just fine post baby. Every woman is ready at a different point in her postpartum recovery, so don't compare yourself with others.
Myth #2: You're Ready To Rock At 6 Weeks
Since everyone's body heals at its own rate, there is no exact timing to resume sex. As Today's Parent pointed out, "one might be ready and wanting at week four, while others won’t feel into it (either physically or emotionally) for months." Six weeks is just a standard average but shouldn't be seen as the rule.
Myth #3: You Don't Have To Wait If You Had A C-Section
Just because you delivered by cesarean birth, doesn't mean you should jump back into action immediately. As Dr. Lisa Masterson told CBS News, it's just as important to wait on sex after a C-section as it is after a vaginal birth. Your body still needs time to heal.
Myth #4: If You Need Lube, Something's Wrong
After you have a baby, hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness, as Women's Day magazine reported. Needing lube doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you, or your vagina. It just means your body is taking some time to get balanced again.
Myth #5: Your Libido Comes Back In Full Force
Not having even the smallest desire to have sex can be part of the postpartum process, so don't feel bad if people have been telling you that your libido will come back with a vengeance. If your sex drive becomes a concern for you, Psych Central recommended seeing your doctor about having your hormone levels checked.
Myth #6: Your Partner is Traumatized
Although there may be a very small number of men who can't keep the image of childbirth separate from sex after birth, it's certainly a small minority. Most men have no problem. As Psychology Today reported, most men do not desexualize their partner's vagina after witnessing childbirth.
Myth #7: Your Vag Is Too Loose
It's true that the muscles of your vagina stretched for the birth of your baby (if you delivered vaginally), but that doesn't mean they stay stretched forever. Like any muscle, old girl just needs a workout. Practicing kegel exercises helps strengthen the pelvic floor and tightens vaginal muscles.
Myth #8: You Won't Get Pregnant If You Breastfeed
This myth wants you to believe that breastfeeding is nature's birth control, but just because you may not have a period while nursing doesn't mean you can't get pregnant. Parenting magazine stomped this myth by reporting that women are still able to ovulate while breastfeeding, even before their period returns.
Myth #9: It Won't Feel As Awesome
Been hearing mumbles about how sex is not going to feel as good as it used to after you give birth? Pay no mind to those haters. As the website for CBS News reported, after you have healed, your body is capable of sexual pleasure as much as it was pre-baby.
