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First-time parents' experiences of proximity and intimacy after childbirth - A qualitative study
Malene Nerbøvik Stavdal1, Marie Louise Løvland Skjævestad1, Bente Dahl1
1Centre for Women's, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, PO Box 235, N-3603 Kongsberg, Norway.
Objective:
To explore first-time parents' experiences of proximity and intimacy after childbirth.
Methods:
This was a qualitative study. Individual interviews with a sample of six women and six men were conducted in December 2017. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation.
Results:
In the first theme, the parents described that their mutual attraction was affected by the female body changes during pregnancy and childbirth. The second theme described how the baby represented a new focus, resulting in a form of intimacy that was more sensual than sexual. The third theme described how pain, fear and new priorities changed couples' intimacy, making their sex life a challenge.
Conclusion:
First-time parents had varied experiences of proximity and intimacy after the birth. When they chose to prioritize each other, attraction increased, strengthening their relationship and even when busy, those who wanted to be intimate with their partner found sufficient time. During this process, there was sometimes an imbalance between the partners' sexual needs. Intimacy was then challenged, but not necessarily weakened. New parents need information and guidance on changes that may affect proximity and intimacy in their relationship after childbirth, but receive very little information.