Do not look at intimacy only from a physical perspective. Share responsibility for the child (Photo: Gemini)
When a woman gives life, intimacy tends to take a back seat. A child introduces a new dynamic into the relationship, as attention is no longer shared in the same way, as the mother takes a big chunk of the parental responsibility.
Psychologist Hellen Staula acknowledges that some of the difficult experiences mothers go through during this time, such as weight gain, hormonal fluctuation, physical pain, fatigue, exhaustion, surgical recovery, emotional drain, sleep problems, and loss of sense of self, can affect emotional and physical intimacy.
Even without a clinical condition, mothers experience shame and confusion, but they are unable to identify them. Some women want closeness, while others want space, though they may not express it.
Therefore, a woman who is exhausted will not be ready for intimacy. Hellen says that intimacy can be redefined if the mother receives support from her spouse. She also needs patience and a sense of safety.
