The Six-Week Guideline

六周恢复期

Generally, doctors recommend waiting at least six weeks after birth before resuming penetrative sex, whether the birth was vaginal or via C-section.

通常情况下，医生会建议产后至少等待六周再恢复插入式性行为，无论是顺产还是剖腹产

Every woman heals differently. Some recover faster, while others may need more time, especially if there were tears, stitches, or surgical wounds.

每位妈妈的恢复速度不同。如果有撕裂、缝合或手术伤口，可能需要更长时间

This waiting period also helps reduce the risk of infection and unplanned pregnancy. Some women can ovulate before their first postpartum period, even while breastfeeding.

这段时间也能降低感染风险和意外怀孕的可能。有些妈妈在第一次月经前就可能排卵，即使正在哺乳

Pain Is Common

产后疼痛很常见

Around 80 percent of mothers may experience pain during sex in the first 8 to 12 weeks postpartum.

大约80%的妈妈在产后8到12周内可能会感到性疼痛

While this can be common, pain should never be ignored. If it hurts, pause. Do not push through it.

虽然常见，但疼痛不应该被忽视。如果痛，就停下来，不要硬撑

Sex is not limited to penetration.

性爱不仅仅是插入

Kissing, touching, cuddling and oral intimacy are all valid forms of sexual connection.

亲吻、拥抱、抚摸或其他亲密行为，都是完整的性连接方式

Postpartum sex may feel different from before pregnancy. It may feel uncomfortable after only a few minutes, and that is okay.

产后的性体验可能和以前不同，甚至几分钟后就感到不适，这很正常

Both partners’ experiences matter. Mutual patience and understanding are essential.

双方的感受都很重要，彼此体谅非常关键

Physical Changes After Birth

产后的生理变化

Hormonal changes can reduce vaginal lubrication, leading to dryness and discomfort.

荷尔蒙变化可能减少阴道分泌液，导致干涩和不适

Using water-based or aloe-based lubricants can help.

可以使用水基或芦荟基润滑液

Longer foreplay can also increase arousal and comfort.

延长前戏时间也有助于提高舒适度

Positions that allow the mother to control depth and rhythm can feel safer. For example, woman on top, or gentle side-lying positions.

选择能让妈妈控制节奏和深度的体位会更舒适，比如女上位或侧卧位

What If It Still Hurts?

如果还是疼怎么办？

If pain continues despite lubrication and gentle pacing, consult a GP or women’s health specialist.

如果使用润滑和放慢节奏仍然疼痛，应咨询家庭医生或女性健康专科

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can also be very helpful.

盆底肌物理治疗也非常有帮助

Most importantly, if you are not ready emotionally or physically, do not force yourself.

最重要的是，如果身体或情绪还没准备好，不要勉强自己

Partners must respect this boundary.

伴侣也必须尊重这个界限

What Can Partners Do?

伴侣可以怎么做？

Pay close attention to her facial expressions, breathing and body language.

注意她的表情、呼吸和身体反应

Pause and check in:

适时停下来询问：

“How are you feeling?”
“你感觉怎么样？”

“Is this comfortable?”
“这样会不会不舒服？”

“Would you like to continue?”
“我们还继续吗？”

“Shall we try something else?”
“要不要换个方式？”

“Would you prefer to stop for today?”
“今天要不要先到这里？”

Gentle communication builds safety.

温柔的沟通可以建立安全感。

Vaginal Laxity and Pelvic Floor

阴道弹性与盆底肌

There is a common myth that the vagina permanently becomes loose after childbirth.

很多人误以为生完孩子后阴道就会永久“松弛”

In reality, vaginal tissue is highly elastic and often recovers significantly over time.

事实上，阴道组织具有高度弹性，通常会逐渐恢复

Some mothers may experience weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can cause urinary leakage.

有些妈妈可能会感到盆底肌变弱，比如漏尿

Kegel exercises and pelvic floor rehabilitation can strengthen these muscles.

凯格尔训练和盆底康复可以帮助恢复

Partners can also practise pelvic floor exercises for their own sexual health.

伴侣也可以一起练习盆底肌训练，有助于性健康

Emotional Wellbeing Matters

情绪健康同样重要

Many mothers experience emotional changes after birth. Some may experience postpartum depression or trauma.

许多妈妈在产后会经历情绪变化，部分可能出现产后抑郁或创伤反应

Partners can also experience emotional strain or even symptoms of anxiety or trauma.

伴侣也可能经历情绪压力，甚至焦虑或创伤症状

Emotional wellbeing and sexual wellbeing are closely connected.

情绪健康与性生活密切相关

Taking care of your own mental health allows you to better support each other.

照顾好自己的情绪，才能更好地支持彼此

Mutual support, patience and empathy are the foundations of a stable relationship after childbirth.

相互扶持、理解和耐心，是产后关系稳定的关键

Postpartum sex is not a race. It is a process of rediscovery.

产后性爱不是比赛，而是重新认识彼此的过程

Move gently. Move honestly. Move together.

慢慢来，真诚沟通，一起前行