Test Your Knowledge

Most new mothers are ready to resume intercourse

	a)	immediately after childbirth.
	b)	six weeks after childbirth.
	c)	when their stitches have healed and the vaginal discharge (lochia) has stopped.
	d)	when the baby sleeps all night.
Right answer! Most new mothers are ready to resume intercourse when their stitches have healed and the vaginal discharge ( lochia ) has stopped. Wrong answer! Most new mothers are ready to resume intercourse when their stitches have healed and the vaginal discharge ( lochia ) has stopped.

What can a couple do to facilitate resuming intercourse?

	a)	Wait until both partners feel like having intercourse.
	b)	Try new positions to cope with these discomforts.
	c)	Wait 6 weeks before resuming intercourse.
	d)	Have someone babysit outside the home in order to have more privacy.
Right answer ! Trying new positions may help certain couples when resuming intercourse.Wrong answer ! Trying new positions may help certain couples when resuming intercourse.

Among the following reasons which one can reduce the new mother's interest in sex?

	a)	Fatigue
	b)	Stress
	c)	Physical changes
	d)	The baby's presence
Right answer! Many new mothers are so tired that they lose interest in sex. Many new fathers have the same reaction.Wrong answer! Many new mothers are so tired that they lose interest in sex. Many new fathers have the same reaction.

If the mother is going through postpartum blues,

	a)	her interest in sex is not affected.
	b)	her interest in sex increases.
	c)	her interest in sex decreases.
	d)	none of the above.
Right answer! Mothers who are going through postpartum blues or postpartum depression may lose interest in sex. Wrong answer! Mothers who are going through postpartum blues or postpartum depression may lose interest in sex.

New mothers find that taking care of their new baby fulfills which need?

	a)	The need to be loved.
	b)	The need to be listened to.
	c)	The need to be touched.
	d)	The need to talk.
Right answer! Many new mothers find caring for the new baby meets their need to be touched and held. They may not feel the need to be touched by their partner. This can be upsetting to a partner who is used to a close and affectionate relationship.Wrong answer! Many new mothers find caring for the new baby meets their need to be touched and held. They may not feel the need to be touched by their partner. This can be upsetting to a partner who is used to a close and affectionate relationship.

What can a couple do to maintain their relationship during this difficult time after childbirth?

	a)	Go out on your own.
	b)	Spend time together.
	c)	Get a babysitter more often.
	d)	Wait until things return to normal.
Right answer! Try to keep your romance alive by spending time alone together. Going for a walk, or drive, or out for a coffee together can give both of you a chance to remember that you are friends and lovers as well as parents. Wrong answer! Try to keep your romance alive by spending time alone together. Going for a walk, or drive, or out for a coffee together can give both of you a chance to remember that you are friends and lovers as well as parents.