Sexuality and Self-Image After Childbirth | Aldult Toys Blog

It’s that time of year again: everyone is gearing up to celebrate Mother’s Day. But how often do we take advantage of this special occasion to talk about the challenges of being a new mom? Beyond the sleepless nights and postpartum emotions, there’s also self-image and sexuality after giving birth, and most of the time, it’s different than it was before Before.

Having a baby is undoubtedly a joyous event, studies have shown Many women suffer from negative body image after giving birth, even many years later. It’s no secret that after carrying a child for nine months and giving birth, many women’s self-confidence is negatively affected due to their postpartum body, leaving them with little to no desire for intimacy and sex.

That said, with a little determination, you can 100% resurrect your confidence and desire. So don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Remember, change is the only constant.

For many women, pregnancy and everything that follows can feel like puberty. We’re talking about hormonal fluctuations, sleep patterns, energy, and appetite, to name a few. More visual manifestations can include a swollen belly, surgical scars, swollen feet, sagging breasts, hair loss, skin changes, vaginal discharge, swollen legs, varicose veins, increased sweating, acne, and stretch marks, to name a few. Is it any wonder that the postpartum experience can disrupt your body’s usual responses to mood and weight management?

Add to that new social roles, and it’s all too common to feel physically and mentally uncomfortable. To make matters even more difficult, living in a culture that offers little social support for mothers, while holding them to impossible standards, is simply impossible. Research has shown that the conflicting demands of hypervigilance and flexibility take a toll on new mothers, and as a result, Many women have unrealistic expectations on the extent to which they can (or should) be able to control their bodies after giving birth.

Avoid negative self-talk…despite cultural messages

From a young age, women and girls are taught that less of us is more desirable. We are bombarded with deeply questionable messages about our bodies – this is not exactly news, but it bears repeating, unfortunately. Whether it is the torrent of perfect images of new moms on social media, out-of-touch portraits of postpartum women in film and television, or stilted photos of celebrities a few weeks after giving birth, messages about the ease (and by extension, the importance) of “bouncing back,” and fastare everywhere.

During pregnancy, women are inundated with mixed messages: While a full bust and belly are often perceived as attractive, it’s not uncommon for women to feel that certain types of curves are nice while other types of curves (i.e. arms, face, or thighs) are not. The postpartum double standard doesn’t help matters: first you’re congratulated for being pregnant, then you’re criticized for “letting yourself go.” Clearly, new moms are anything but lazy, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Eventually, a changing body represents a changing lifeIf your goal is to “get your pre-pregnancy body back,” it can be helpful to think about why you want to travel back in time. Wanting to be like your pre-pregnancy self is often closely tied to your pre-pregnancy identity. Finding ways to reintegrate the feelings, activities, and people you miss can do wonders for helping you feel more like “you,” without putting all the pressure on your body.

Don’t exclude intimacy

There are countless ways to express intimacy. This can include sex, but it doesn’t have to be. As you get back into the swing of things, be kind, gentle, and patient with yourself. And most importantly, be open to exploring new avenues of intimacy. You never know: your relationship with your partner(s) or with yourself may be strengthened.

Intimacy with oneself

Taking time to indulge yourself every now and then can help revitalize your sense of sensuality and sexuality, especially after giving birth. Eat something you enjoy, get more sleep, take a bubble bath, ask a friend or family member to help if your partner can’t or you don’t have a partner. When you’re better rested and therefore more sane, it’s much easier to stick to a healthy diet and maybe even get some exercise. If you’re looking for a more direct way to reconnect with your sexuality, a new sex toy This might help open those floodgates again. You’re in control and can adjust the speed and feel to suit your needs, right?

Intimacy with your partner

Having a baby can be a challenge for many relationships, so it’s especially important to be open and honest with your partner about how you’re feeling. If your lack of confidence is affecting your libido or sexual enjoyment, they may not realize it (believe it or not). Opening up and working through the obstacles together is much less alienating (and sexy). Expressing your desires is also a great way to build confidence. Your postpartum body may actually be leading you down uncharted paths of desire and ecstasy. Last minute: Newness is sexy, so don’t fight it. If you’re experiencing any postpartum pain or discomfort during sex, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified medical professional. pelvic floor therapist— they help many people regain their sexuality after childbirth! And if you’re suffering from persistent low libido, there’s no shame in considering sex therapy and/or couples therapy, both of which can be valuable tools.

Intimacy with a new partner

“When is the right time after having a baby to start dating again?” is a common question asked on online forums. The answer: whenever you’re absolutely ready! While many of the same principles apply to postpartum sex with a new partner as with an existing one (i.e., open and honest lines of communication), there are some definite differences and things to consider that may never have crossed your mind as a pre-baby person. If all you want is sex (power to you), of course, it’s a lot easier. If you’re looking for something a little more, consider the following questions:

– Do you feel mentally, emotionally, physically capable/available for another person?

– Do you have the energy to take care of your child and yourself while getting to know someone new?

– Do you want someone to raise your child with you or would you prefer to keep things separate?

This Mother’s Day, we would do well to reflect a little more deeply on everything that pertains to motherhood for every person on this planet. Whether you are welcoming a new human into this world yourself and/or celebrating another mom in your life, it is high time to unravel the mystery. Persistent societal myths which make it more difficult to regain her status as a sex goddess after becoming a mother.

You got it all, baby. <3