The Ab System belly wrap from bellies inc. is great to put your body back in order, whether you’ve had a C-section or vaginal delivery

The Labor and Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit from Frida is great. The company also makes a lot of other helpful postpartum gear.

Private Packs are also excellent for postpartum care. These reusable hot & cold packs help relax muscles & combat swelling as well as reduce inflammation and pain.

If sex becomes painful during or after pregnancy, using OhNut may help you have sex without discomfort. The majority of folks have pelvic pain for at least a year after pregnancy, regardless of C-section or vaginal delivery.

Most people have urinary issues before and after pregnancy. ONDRwear washable leakproof underwear were designed by a urologist to help keep you covered while you’re healing and before physical therapy work kicks in.

Speaking of physical therapy, if kegels are part of your routine, the kGoal is a fun way to get your exercises in!

For PT work, we appreciate the Intimate Rose dilator set and massage wand. I recommend the vibrating one even if you don’t intend to use it. Vibration helps break up scar tissue and bring blood flow to an area. You don’t have to turn on the vibration if you don’t want to, but it can make your homework more fun.

Last but not least, lube. Especially afterwards. All your hormones shift and make for a lot of sensitive tissue and dryness. We love Slippery Stuff, Good Clean Love, and Uberlube.

Most importantly, listen to your body, and be gentle with yourself.

The post Looking for advice on pregnancy & postpartum care? appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

Kelly Mullen-McWilliams

Want to know more about sexuality throughout pregnancy? Check out this article written by Dr. Torrisi for DelCoNews, this one about sex while trying to conceive,  and these tips for post-partum sex.

Whether before, during, or after pregnancy, a check-up with a pelvic physical therapist is essential and often not discussed. The majority of OBGYNs know little about pelvic floor dysfunctions so be informed and self-advocate for full post-partum care! You can find a pelvic physical therapist near you by searching here.

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The post Eight Tips For Pregnant Women (on ToughxCoookies) appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

1. You Are Not Alone!

• Having a baby is a moderate to severe crisis that all parents go through.

2. You can build the skills to keep a healthy family.
• Therapy may use role plays, examples, research information, and communication exercises to help deepen your friendship, manage conflicts constructively, share values, heal distress, and enhance healthy patterns.
• “The greatest gift a couple can give their baby is a loving relationship.”
3. Delight in responding to your new baby.
• In playing with your baby, it is important to stay emotionally warm and available. Stay responsive to your baby’s cues, slow down, repair overstimulation.
4. Cool down conflicts.
• Everyone has the best of intentions after their babies are born.
• Getting sleep deprived, tired, and crabby is normal! We lose our sense of humor and can’t cope as well. We may feel more out of control than usual just as we have more anxiety about our responsibilities, persevere!
• Do not fight in front of infants; Have a problem-solving meeting.
5. Savor each other by building a strong friendship and a zesty sex life.
• “Sexual intimacy arises from emotional intimacy. And emotional intimacy comes from partners making the effort to find each other through the maze of duties to perform. When partners feel cherished and appreciated, affection comes naturally… Then romance and passion can reawaken.”
• Touch Often! Go on Dates!
6. Warm fathering is wonderful.
• Divvy up tasks and beware of cultural messages pushing father’s away.
7. Create an intentional legacy.
• Make choices with purposeful awareness and intention.

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