How long after baby until you can have sex?

[cmkeough]

Okay, this is a really stupid question but here it goes. How long after giving birth (vaginal) until you can have (I didn't say until you wanted to have...) sex? I only ask this because due to an IC I haven't had sex with my DH since week 20 and I am almost at week 33....I can't imagine going possibly another 2 to 3 months.

[Anonymous]

My OB told me no sex (or baths, which I also like!) for 6 weeks after delivery.

[Anonymous]

i had a cerclage at week 20 and was told no sex (or any type of stimulation) from then on until 6 weeks after delivery - i got good at other things for my poor husband!

[cmkeough]

Yeah I'm not so worried about my husband. I'm a little sick of not getting any satisfaction for myself. GRRRRR......

[Anonymous]

Poor Husband????? Your kidding, right?

[cmkeough]

YEAH, that was my thought too. ;o)

[Anonymous]

6 weeks post partem - no strenous and no sex. Although, always get that approved at your 6 week check up to be sure. That is something that needs expert opinion and not DCUM advice.

Too bad for hubby - your boobs are usually extra big during this time with all the milk production!

[HrCreuzi]

From what I understand the 6 weeks post delivery is just penetration. There are other ways to get the satisfaction you need

It may be a little uncomfortable to orgasm right away, but that goes away.

[Anonymous]

My OB recommended 6 weeks as well but said definately not until you totally stop bleeding. I think that is usually around 3-4 weeks. Also, don't forget about the birth control! Rare that you would get pregnant again so soon but certainly possible.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely wait until your 6 week checkup. And I know you didn't ask, but unless you have a teeny tiny baby and very little vaginal trauma, you are unlikely to get much more than pure pain for a little while after that (i.e., addressing your follow-up post re satisfaction). I echo a PP in looking for other means for satisfaction!

[cmkeough]

Thanks everyone. I suppose I should just be glad that in a little while I'll at least be able to get some "satisfaction". Having an IC is no fun!!!

[Anonymous]

What's an IC?

[Anonymous]

Incompetent Cervix....which can also translate into you're not allowed to do anything.

[Anonymous]

I took a prenatal class this weekend and the instructor was telling us that one of her patients got knocked up TWO weeks after delivering her first baby! The cardinal rule apparently is that the lower half of the body is out of bounds for at least 6 weeks post partum. And, birth control is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you decide to do anything. The business about lactating mothers not getting pregnant is somewhat of a myth.

On a related note, my hormones at 33 weeks of pregnancy are raging and I have the libido of a 17-year old boy! Predictably, DH is worried that doing anything will hurt the baby. Plus, I don't think the giant tummy is very attractive for that purpose. Needless to say, I'm not getting any action.

[Anonymous]

Once the six week window has passed, if you do feel like having sex, make sure you do it early and often. Nursing does wacky things to your hormones and mine killed my sex drive after about 2 months pp until I weaned at a year. This happened with both of my kids. Just some advice from the trenches, and everybody varies, but make sure to get it while you can!