Giving birth is life changing.

Pregnancy and childbirth changes a woman inside and out. It’s understandable that after something that monumental, you might not bounce back right away. After bringing home a baby, it can be hard to feel “at home” again in your skin, at least at first.

Establishing a new routine can be an adventure: finding time for sleep, showers, eating, and when you’re physically and emotionally ready, physical intimacy. While your focus after your babe arrives will likely be on feeding, changing and getting out the door with a little person in tow, eventually it will be time to start trying to fit in the things you loved doing before baby too, including sex.

Once you and your doctor decide it’s safe to try, here are some ideas to get yourself feeling ready to get physical again:

Take some time for you. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You’re caring for a little one, and if you’re going to share your body with a partner again, you need to take some time for you. Take a bath. Get dressed in something that makes you feel pretty. Take care of you like you take care of everyone else.

Go solo. A young family is a lot of togetherness. Take some time alone to rediscover your new body. You will be able to enjoy yourself more with your partner when you know what you like. When you’re feeling good with your body, it’s easier to feel good about your body.

Lubricate. Having a baby and breastfeeding can make you feel dryer than you’re used to, but if you grab some K-Y® you can start feeling more like “you” again – inside and out. Adding some extra moisture will make everything feel more comfortable (and fun)! Don’t forget to speak to your doctor first before using any product after childbirth or if you’re breastfeeding.

Alone time with your significant other. If you can swing having someone watch the baby, DO IT. If not, try and get your little one bathed, fed and into bed so you have an hour or two for just the two of you while they sleep. Nothing will kill the mood faster than the sound of your little one crying. Once the babe is down, leave the laundry, the dishes (and the TV off), and do something you enjoy together, just the two of you, at least one night a week.

Realistic expectations. You may start and find out you are not ready yet. Make sure you and your partner both know you may have to slow down or stop for the night. You can always try again tomorrow, or the day after, or at lunch time if you’re both home and that is more your thing.

The main message here is it’s easy to forget about yourself in the weeks and months after birth. It sounds cheesy, but caring for yourself is the best thing you can do for your baby and your SO.

To get you moving in the right direction, we’ve got a chance for you to win a luxurious spa package from K-Y®. Click on the button below, sign up or sign in and follow the directions to enter!*

Congratulations to Janene Lengert from Alberta on being the winner of this amazing prize pack.

*Always be sure to speak to your doctor first before trying any new product after childbirth or while breastfeeding.