Sex and contraception

There are no rules about when to start making love again. If you haven’t had stitches you may be eager to share the extra love you feel with your partner. On the other hand, if you’re tired and sore, sex may be the last thing you have in mind. Don’t rush into it. If it hurts, it will be no pleasure. You may want to use a lubricating jelly the first time because hormone changes may make your vagina feel drier than usual.

It can take some time for the old feelings to come back but they will and, until they do, you may both feel happier finding other ways of being loving and close. If you have any worries, discuss them with your GP or health visitor.

It’s possible for a woman to conceive even if she has not started her periods again or even if she is breastfeeding. Contraception should be discussed before you leave hospital and again when you go for your six-week postnatal check.

In the meantime, you could talk to your midwife or health visitor when they visit you at home or you could go to your GP or family planning clinic.

Possible methods of contraception:

• The condom – this may be the best and simplest choice for the early weeks after childbirth.   

• The combined pill – if you’re not breastfeeding, start taking this pill from
• The 21st day after delivery. If you start it later than the 21st day, it won’t be reliable for the first seven days, so for this time you’ll have to use some other form of contraceptive (like a condom) as well. Don’t take this pill if you’re breastfeeding as it reduces the milk flow.