“I Have No Libido Since Giving Birth... Is It Serious?”

You may be unsure if you’re exhausted physically, emotionally, or both at the same time. Not to mention the potential traces left by childbirth: that cesarean section and/or episiotomy, a tired perineum... In short, pleasure and libido after giving birth feel like a flat line...
Young moms, know this: you are more beautiful than ever! But you may be going through the same phase as a large majority of mothers. Here’s an explanation from Dalila Hammoud, a clinical psychologist.

“I Have Difficulty Feeling Sexy Since Giving Birth”

This is a heartfelt cry we heard during a recent conversation among mothers at a JOONE breakfast. A lot has changed in these last nine months. Your body, your emotions, and your fatigue... All of this has created quite a yo-yo effect on your well-being. In fact, many young moms struggle to regain their libido and sex appeal after giving life. Does this mean the end of your relationship? Should you be alarmed? The answer is no.

Libido After Childbirth: What If It’s Physiological?
Right after childbirth, it is (very) rare to see young mothers overflowing with sexual energy. And for good reason; they often have to juggle between motherhood and baby blues, a sort of postpartum depression due to a drop in hormones... Speaking of hormones: we’re talking about those famous estrogens, which certainly have a beneficial effect on the bond with the baby, but also penalize libido and lubrication. Prolactin can also contribute to increased dryness. It’s no wonder that young moms don’t really feel like having sex!

Also read:
Is it really that simple to resume sexual activity after childbirth?

“Taking Your Time Doesn’t Mean Giving Up.”
As psychologist Dalila Hammoud explains, it’s also important to take care of the mother who finds herself vulnerable and fragile after giving birth. A supportive environment can aid in her recovery. Being surrounded, listened to, and having attention paid to her needs and suffering will gradually allow the mother to rise again, regain confidence in her body, and eventually offer it the best.
Sometimes a long process of reconstruction is necessary to restore a positive self-image. For some women, it will require mourning their body before pregnancy. For others, it will involve mourning the pregnancy itself; this is known as the "empty belly syndrome." In the long term, this can affect self-image and self-esteem, as well as the relationship within the couple. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek help if discomfort becomes a daily struggle.

A Few Tips for Regaining Confidence After Childbirth

• Don’t compare your “before” body to your current one. You spent nine months creating life. And even if this little miracle has given you a new silhouette, you are extraordinary and should be proud of everything your body has accomplished. Accept that some things take time. As we sometimes hear, “It takes nine months to make a baby, and nine months to unmake it.”
• Find confidence in your relationship with your partner. If your relationship with your body is difficult, don’t force it. You should never have to force anything. A flame can be nurtured through shared glances, a massage, a moment of intimacy in front of a movie, or some improvised dance steps...
• When you feel ready, take it gradually. And don’t hesitate to use a gentle lubricant for the first times, until your body and hormones find their rhythm again.