Beyond Sex:
Non-Sexual Ways to Build Intimacy with Your Partner Postpartum
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and the postpartum period can be a challenging time for many new parents. Physical, emotional, and hormonal changes can affect the sexual desire and physical ability of women after giving birth, and this can often put a strain on intimate relationships. However, intimacy is not just about sex, and there are many ways to connect with your partner and build a strong, loving relationship during the postpartum period. Here are some non-sexual ways to have intimacy with your partner postpartum.
Physical Touch
Physical touch is an important way to show affection and connect with your partner. Even if sexual intimacy is not a priority during the postpartum period, physical touch can help release feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which can help reduce stress and improve mood. Some ideas for physical touch include hugging, cuddling, holding hands, and gentle massage. These simple acts of affection can help you feel closer and more connec1ted to your partner.
Quality Time
Spending time together doing activities you both enjoy can help you feel closer and more connected. It's important to find activities that you can enjoy together, even if they are simple or low-key. Some ideas for quality time include going for a walk, watching a movie, or cooking a meal. These activities can help you create shared experiences and memories that can strengthen your bond.
Emotional Support
The postpartum period can be a challenging time, and it's important to provide emotional support to your partner. Listening to each other, being there for each other, and providing emotional support can help you feel connected and build trust. During this time, it's important to be patient and understanding, and to remember that your partner may be going through a lot of changes and challenges.
Shared Experiences
Doing things together, such as taking a class or traveling to a new place, can help you create shared experiences and memories that can strengthen your bond. These experiences can be fun and exciting, and can help you feel closer and more connected to your partner.
Self-Care Together
Taking care of each other and practicing self-care together can help you both feel good and build intimacy. This can include exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy foods. By taking care of yourselves and each other, you can build a strong foundation for your relationship and create a positive and supportive environment for your family.
The postpartum period can be a challenging time, but it's also an opportunity to build intimacy with your partner in non-sexual ways. By focusing on physical touch, quality time, emotional support, shared experiences, and self-care together, you can create a strong, loving relationship that will support you and your family for years to come.