What if I'm not interested in sex?

There's more to intimacy than sex, especially when you're getting used to life with a new baby. If you're not feeling sexy or you're afraid sex will hurt, talk to your partner. Until you're ready to have sex, you may want to try to connect and show affection for one another in other ways. For example, spend focused time together without the baby, even if it's just a few minutes in the morning or after the baby goes to sleep.

If you're struggling after childbirth, watch for symptoms of postpartum depression. They may include:

• A depressed mood that lasts. This may involve feeling sad or hopeless and crying often.
• Little interest in daily life, including caring for your baby.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others.
• Worrying a lot or feeling much more anxious or irritable than usual.
• Sleep problems.
• Changes in appetite.
• Feelings of guilt, shame or failure.
• Problems concentrating.
• Often feeling very tired.

If you think you might have postpartum depression, talk to your healthcare professional. Getting treatment for postpartum depression right away can make it easier to recover.

Remember, taking good care of yourself can go a long way toward keeping passion alive.