How soon can you start having sex?

 Get back into physical intimacy with your partner after giving birth with these birth control and gender tips

Having a baby is a milestone in your family life, but it's also important to continue to build a strong, intimate relationship with your partner. Most mothers can resume sex after six weeks, although some women may not be in the mood. Here are some tips that you can use to have sex after giving birth:

Discover other methods of intimacy such as hugging, kissing, or foreplay

Take time to relax and do things that make you feel good about your body. Your partner can also help, such by sharing a message or showering together

Minimize distractions. Ask a family member or friend to take care of the baby so you can enjoy your time with your partner. And turn off your cell phones!

Use a moisturizing gel if you feel the vaginal tissues are dry and the sex is uncomfortable

heating. The more foreplay you can collect, the more ready you will feel to have sex

Don't worry if you sometimes feel like you won't be motivated to have sex again. It is usually a 

temporary state of mind.

If you and your partner aren't ready to have another baby yet, there are several birth control options you can use after giving birth:

Amenorrhea method (LAM): Nursing mothers who have not yet had a period are protected from pregnancy for the first six months after delivery. They are 98 percent effective if your baby is fully breastfed and you haven't had a period in the past six months.

Condoms: 85 to 96 percent effective.

Intrauterine device: It is inserted into the uterus six weeks after birth and has a 99 percent success rate. However, it can interrupt, cause more painful or heavy menstruation, and in some women, it can be contagious. Once introduced, it can be stored for up to 5 years. In some women, it may be difficult to remove afterward, requiring a minor surgical procedure.

Hormonal methods: These include mini-pills, injections, hand implants, and oral contraceptives (COCs)—they have a more than 99 percent success rate. You should take the mini-pill every day, at around the same time each day. Injections and implants in the arm can cause irregular periods. COC tablets should be taken by women who are not breastfeeding.

Natural methods: Impact and traction methods may not have any side effects, but they are the least effective with success rates of only 70 percent.

Permanent sterilization: Ligation or cutting of the tube requires surgery and is irreversible, so think carefully before making a decision. The male version, known as a vasectomy, is generally safer and can be done on an outpatient basis