Let’s be real: The idea of getting back to intimacy after having a baby can feel pretty daunting. Some new moms are itching to jump back into the bedroom, while others may not be so keen. A recent study dives into this topic, questioning whether a woman’s eagerness for sex after childbirth is driven by a heightened sex drive or a need to nurture her relationship.
Research indicates that in many Western cultures, new mothers often prioritize their infants over their partners in the first six weeks postpartum. This shift can lead to decreased relationship satisfaction and less intimacy. However, Michelle Thompson, a researcher from the University of Colorado, sought to explore whether this pattern holds true in cultures with lower divorce rates.
Her findings, based on interviews with 260 women in Manila, Philippines—155 of whom were new breastfeeding moms—showed a different trend. Interestingly, breastfeeding women who had resumed their menstrual cycles reported increased sexual activity and stronger relationship commitment. In fact, it seems women in Manila might be engaging in sex more often after childbirth compared to before.
Thompson explains that while a breastfeeding mom might not take the lead in initiating sex, she may still respond positively when her partner makes a move. This kind of intimacy can be seen as an investment in a stable partnership that benefits both parenting and the relationship itself. On the flip side, women in more strained relationships may not feel the same urgency to resume sexual intimacy, focusing instead on their newborn.
So, don’t worry too much! It’s perfectly normal for new parents to prioritize their baby and take a breather from their relationship. But yes, intimacy can and does return over time!
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In summary, a recent study highlights that sex after having a baby varies widely among women, influenced by cultural contexts and relationship dynamics. While some may focus solely on their infants, others find a renewed connection with their partners, underscoring the importance of relationship maintenance in the early days of parenthood.
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