Ready to reconnect after baby? Go beyond the 6-week checkup and learn how to navigate intimacy after childbirth, from low libido to expert communication tips.
Episode Resources:
The journey from survival mode back to sensuality is one almost every new parent faces, yet it's often a silent struggle. If you're wondering how to navigate the exhaustion, hormonal shifts, and emotional distance after having a baby, this episode is your guide. We're tackling the brutal truth about intimacy after childbirth, and providing a roadmap for not just coping, but truly reconnecting. Sex and relationship therapist Jo Robertson joins Dr. Kerry Winge to cut through the awkwardness and offer real, compassionate advice for new parents.
In this in-depth conversation, Jo Robertson breaks down the unrealistic expectations society places on new mothers and couples. Forget "bouncing back"—it's time to move forward. We explore the deep impact of birth trauma, from episiotomies to emergency C-sections, and why healing the emotional wounds is the first step toward physical connection. This episode offers crucial postpartum sex tips and explains the science behind a low libido after baby, including how plummeting estrogen levels and the feeling of being "touched out" are physiological, not personal. We discuss why painful sex after birth is common but not normal, and what you can do about it, from seeking help from a pelvic health physical therapist to using practical solutions like non-hormonal vaginal inserts. Jo provides a framework for reconnecting with your partner after baby using the "Three T's": intentional Time, deep Talk, and non-sexual Touch. Learn how to communicate your needs without starting a fight, why scheduling intimacy can be a game-changer, and how to understand the difference between spontaneous and responsive sexual desire to better meet each other's needs. This is a must-listen for any couple navigating the complex and beautiful season of new parenthood.
About Our Guest:
Jo Robertson is a sex and relationship therapist, educator, and speaker from New Zealand who specializes in helping couples build better relationships and intimacy. With a masters in sex therapy and as a co-founder of an antenatal business, her work focuses on guiding new parents through the postpartum season, tackling everything from body image and hormone shifts to sexual pain and communication breakdowns. Having worked in sexual health and trauma for nearly two decades, Jo brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience as a mother of three to her compassionate, practical approach.
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What is Bottoms Up with Dr. Kerry Winge?
Welcome to Bottoms Up, the podcast where we explore the vital aspects of pelvic health and well-being. I'm Dr. Kerry Winge, your host, and with over 25 years of direct patient care experience, I've seen it all—from common concerns to complex conditions. This podcast is dedicated to helping you understand your body better, empowering you to take control of your pelvic health. Whether you're dealing with pain, dysfunction, or simply want to learn more, I'm here to provide expert insights, practical advice, and compassionate support.