• Hormones: Sexual desire is often diminished after childbirth due to decreased hormone levels. This may be particularly true for breastfeeding mothers, where the hormonal suppression can last months.



• Fatigue: Fatigue is a major factor. The baby is waking up at all hours, leaving you eternally exhausted.



• Time: The opportunity just isn't there. Life is suddenly changed to the point of chaos.



• Body Image: Sometimes women and men feel differently about the woman's body after she gives birth.



• Anxiety: Many women feel anxiety about the pain they might experience. Intercourse is often uncomfortable at the beginning. Your perineum may still be sore even after the six-week wait to have intercourse. If you are breastfeeding, you may experience vaginal dryness due to lack of hormones.

• Make some time for you and your partner. Wait until the baby is asleep or leave him or her with a friend. Do something fun just for the two of you. Set the mood for your evening together.



• Start slowly. Tell your partner what pleases you and what is uncomfortable.



• Use a lubricant for vaginal dryness, if you need to. A water-soluble choice is best, such as KY jelly or a "personal lubricant" usually displayed near the spermicides at your drugstore.



• Try different positions. Sometimes a woman may have more control if she is on her side or kneeling over her partner.



• Prevent leaking milk. If you are worried about leaking milk, wear a bra during sex.



• Don't ignore persistent pain. If you have pain that prevents intercourse, lasts throughout intercourse, or doesn't slowly improve over weeks, discuss it with your practitioner.

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