What’s happening to my partner physically?
Although your partner’s bump may be gone, her tummy may still look like it’s still pregnant for a while. It took nine months to grow so things won’t go back to normal at once and it’s not recommended for new mums to lose weight rapidly after giving birth. She’ll need all the energy she does have for looking after the new baby.
Your partner may find that her breasts feel hot and probably quite tender as her milk starts to come in and they adjust to the new sensation. Some mums also suffer with cracked or sore nipples as they get into the routine of breastfeeding, which can be quite painful, so be careful with them! Getting some help with breastfeeding techniques and feeding positions should help with this though, so encourage her to ask her heath care professional for advice.
Emotions after birth
The stresses and strains of labour, the joy of meeting her baby for the first time and the realisation that she’s a mum can stir up all kinds of emotions after birth in your partner. She may feel euphoric, exhausted, contented, overwhelmed, relieved, bruised, tearful, happy and everything else in between all in one day! It’s a real emotional rollercoaster, especially in the first 10 days after giving birth.
Whatever she’s feeling however, she needs as much rest as possible. So don’t feel bad saying ‘no’ when it comes to the number of visitors you have and how long they stay. Also, try to encourage her to sleep as much as possible while the baby’s napping, to give her body a chance to recover and cope with the job of being a mum. If she’s feeling a bit like she’s not special any more – some women miss being pregnant even though they’re happy to be a new mum – there are plenty of ways you can make her realise she’s still fantastic. Breakfast in bed, a surprise bunch of flowers, a nice meal – little things work wonders!
How soon can we have sex again?!
Depending on what was physically needed to deliver the baby, your partner may need some time to recover from stitches and general soreness. So sex can literally be a sensitive subject! Looking after a newborn and constantly playing catch-up on sleep can also take its toll. But everyone is different; your partner may be in the mood within days or it may take her much longer to feel sexy again.
Be patient and open with each other about your individual needs. Keep up physical contact with affectionate kisses and cuddles, and in time, your partner will be ready for more.