Postpartum feelings

• Many women go through emotional changes after giving birth.
• You can take steps to help manage stress.
• Postpartum depression is serious; ask for help.

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Having a baby affects both you and your partner. You're both getting used to having a baby around. Your partner may be just as nervous about being a parent as you are.

What you can do    
Learn about taking care of your baby together. Read baby care books and go to baby care classes.

Let your partner help with the baby. Don't try to do everything by yourself.

Spend time with your partner—just the two of you. Go for a walk or out to dinner. Ask someone you trust to take care of the baby for an hour or two.

Ask your provider about when it's OK for you to have sex again. Most likely she'll say to wait about 4 weeks to give your body time to heal after labor and birth. You may have mixed feelings about having sex again. You may be sore, tired and stressed. You may not feel very sexy. Here's what you can do:

• Make sure your partner knows what your provider says about how long to wait to have sex again. Ask your provider to talk to your partner if necessary.
• Start slowly. Tell your partner what feels good and what doesn’t.
• Try different positions.
• Talk to your partner. Explain how you feel. Find out how your partner feels. Talking can help keep you both from feeling hurt and frustrated.

May 2009