With most couples generally engaging in sexual intercourse 1-3 times per week, the changes in sexuality after baby is born can be a shock for both partners. Although sex should be avoided during the postpartum period, most women don’t want to wait that long to get some enjoyment.
Clitoral Stimulation After Birth
There is no reason that you can’t have an orgasm as soon as you feel healed and comfortable enough after birth. For most women, this will generally be about a week, but if you have any medical problems, you will need to check with your doctor.
You should never insert anything vaginally while you are still losing lochia (postpartum blood). During this time, your uterus is still healing from the area where the placenta was attached to the uterine wall and until the bleeding stops, you have a higher risk of infection or complications if anything is placed internally.
If you plan to masturbate, make sure that you only use external clitoral stimulation and avoid G-spot or internal stimulation.
However there are some things you should be aware of:
- While breastfeeding, some women experience decreased libido.
- Orgasms may cause your body to lactate or you may experience a slight increase in lochia (postpartum bleeding).
- Postpartum hormones may cause you to have less natural lubrication than you’re used to.
- Orgasms may be more intense or occasionally painful, after birth. If you’re ever concerned, consult a healthcare professional.
Susannah is a certified Birth Doula through Childbirth International and the founder of Trimester Talk. With a background in journalism and digital strategy, she combines evidence-based research with real-world knowledge to create accessible content about pregnancy and parenting. She’s a mother of two and stepmother of two more, all of them now teenagers.