Life

Is Tantric Sex Safe After A C-Section?

by Lindsay E. Mack

Having a baby means some serious changes, and a person's sex life is no exception. But those who are fans of taking things slow — super slow — in the bedroom may have specific concerns. For instance, is tantric sex safe after a C-section, or will this practice need to be put on pause for the time being? Some aspects of tantra may be perfect for a couple's postpartum sex life.

So what is tantric sex? It is a complex topic, but in general tantric sex refers to the practice of slow, intimate sex, often with a spiritual component, as explained on Bustle. The lovemaking is attentive, long-lasting, and attuned. Breathing exercises, sensual touches, and a focus on foreplay are general hallmarks of tantric sex, according to Good To Know. To be very blunt, tantric sex is the opposite of a quickie.

With this in mind, how does a relaxed, focused approach to sexuality combine with the realities of postpartum life? It is not impossible. According to the Mayo Clinic, it takes about six weeks to resume sexual activity after a C-section, as the body needs time to heal. In the meantime, though, some non-penetrative sexual activities borrowed from tantra could help couples keep their intimacy alive.

What tantric practices can a person enjoy while the body is healing from child birth? An hours-long lovemaking session might not be practical, advisable, or pleasurable at this time, but there are plenty of other ways to stay connected. A mindful massage, for instance, gives partners a chance to reconnect and enjoy the sensuality of one another's company, as noted on Mind Body Green. (If a nap happens following a few minutes of massage, that is OK too. Rest is so crucial at this time.) Even taking time to give and receive kisses, according to She Knows, is an easy way to experiment and reconnect in a sensual manner. By making the bedroom a place of rest and reconnection, both partners keep the sexual spark alive through the immediate postpartum period.

Sometimes just being in the same room as a significant other, and taking time to breathe together, may be a restorative, intimate practice. At the very least, new parents deserve some time to recharge together once a baby's feeding and sleeping needs have been tended to for the moment.