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Has it been a while? These are the 5 best sex positions to try after you have a baby

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Certain hormones help both mother and baby deal with the stressors that labour bring
Certain hormones help both mother and baby deal with the stressors that labour bring
  • After giving birth, your anatomy changes and so does your sex life
  • Women might find that it may be "a little tighter and narrower down there" or experience a looseing of the pelvic floor
  • Either way, these five sex positions - from reverse cowgirl to spooning - are the best to start out with as you get back in the saddle


They say everything changes when you have a baby - and that definitely includes your sex life.

"What worked for you before having a baby might be very different after giving birth," says Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Why? Your anatomy has changed.

"For a woman who has an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, it usually takes about six weeks to heal," says Dr. Leah Millheiser, director of the Female Sexual Medicine Program at Stanford University.

"That means, when a woman starts to have sex again, obviously it's been a while. It can be a little tighter and narrower down there."

On the flip side, some women experience just the opposite after giving birth: a loosening of the pelvic floor.

"There is stretching of the tissue down there, but typically that goes back to normal," Millheiser says.

On top of that, many breastfeeding moms experience problems with dryness—the number-one bedroom issue Minkin hears about after a woman gives birth. Breastfeeding causes a decrease in oestrogen, which obviously affects the vagina, she says.

Also see: Why do my breasts leak during sex? Seven common questions about sex during pregnancy answered

Find out what's best for you

So even if you didn't use it before, you'll probably need to introduce lube to your sex life after giving birth. What do all these changes mean? Your go-to position might not get the job done anymore.

"Once you've been cleared by your doctor to engage in penetrative intercourse, you can begin to experiment with positions," says Dr. Kat Van Kirk, a licensed marriage and sex therapist and author of the Married Sex Solution: A Realistic Guide to Saving Your Sex Life. "What matters is that you're comfortable so you can focus on pleasure."

"In general, women do really well on top during the postpartum months because they can control the speed and the depth of penetration," says Millheiser.

"A woman has to try out the position that she enjoys to find out what's best for her."

The experts stress that every woman is different—there's no holy grail of post-birth sex moves. But to get your sex life revved up again, they recommend starting out with these five positions.

Also read: Thoughts and tips for new dads, from new dads

Reverse Cow Girl

To try penetration for the first time post-birth, start on top. "If you're comfortable straddling away from your partner on your knees, Reverse Cow Girl can be a great way to have clitoral access while you control depth and rhythm," says Van Kirk.

Frisky Flip

If you're not comfortable on top, try flipping over and lying flat on your stomach. "This low energy rear entry position allows you to relax into penetration without your partner being able to go too deep," says Van Kirk. Spooning

Post-baby, slow and steady wins the race. "Going side-by-side can help control your partner from going too deep or too hard," says Van Kirk.

Lazy Sex

If spooning feels good but you want to shake it up, try what Van Kirk calls "lazy sex." "Lay in an 'L' shape with your partner with you on your back and he on his side," she says. "This allows for minimal exertion while also giving you both access to your clitoris."

Lip Service

Speaking of your clitoris… "Cunnilingus (a.k.a. oral sex) is always a good option," says Van Kirk. "Whether you are laying back or leaning on the headboard, you don't have to worry about penetration."

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