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:

• Take Jo’s Postpartum Sex Course
• Download the Gottman Institute Card Decks App

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.

#intimacyafterchildbirth #postpartum #postpartumsex #newparents #reconnecting #relationshiptips #lowlibido #pelvichealth #bottomsup #birthtrauma

If you're struggling with painful sex (dyspareunia), please know you are not alone, and healing is possible. This condition is far more common than you think, affecting up to 21% of women and 5% of men, yet it's often shrouded in shame, silence, and confusion. In this episode of Bottoms Up, expert pelvic health physical therapist Dr. Kerry Winge pulls back the curtain on why intercourse might be painful and what you can do about it. We explore the core question: what are the hidden causes of painful intimacy, and how can you find a path to relief and pleasure?

This episode is a comprehensive guide for anyone experiencing pelvic pain, whether it's burning, sharp sensations, or deep aching during or after intimacy. Dr. Kerry Winge of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy of Morgantown shares powerful, anonymous stories from real patients - from teens unable to use a tampon to new mothers experiencing pain after childbirth, and even men dealing with perineal aching after orgasm. We dive deep into the causes of painful intercourse, which often involve a complex mix of physical factors (muscle tension, hormonal shifts, scar tissue) and the emotional impact of pelvic pain (fear, anxiety, trauma, and relationship stress). Dr. Winge explains that your body isn't broken; it's trying to protect you. We also demystify the dyspareunia treatment process, explaining that relief often comes from a combination of therapies. You'll learn what to expect during a diagnosis, including the gentle "Q-tip test," and why clear communication with your practitioner is vital. The conversation highlights why pelvic floor physical therapy for painful sex is a cornerstone of healing, as it helps release muscle tension, retrain the nervous system, and restore mobility. This isn't just about "fixing" a problem; it's about reclaiming your connection to your body and finding joy in intimacy again. If you've ever been dismissed or told "it's all in your head," this episode offers the validation, education, and hope you deserve.

TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS:
(00:00) A Message for Those in Pain
(01:50) Voices of Pelvic Pain: Real Patient Stories
(04:25) What is Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)?
(05:34) The Physical & Emotional Causes of Painful Sex
(06:36) The Emotional Toll: Shame, Guilt, and Communication
(07:32) How to Get Diagnosed: What to Expect at Your Appointment
(09:49) A Guide to Treatment Options (Therapy, Lubricants, Dilators & More)
(13:21) Why Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a Key Part of Healing
(14:18) Answering Your Questions: Postpartum Pain, Male Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis
(15:42) A Final Message of Hope: Pleasure is Your Right

LEARN MORE & EPISODE RESOURCES:
Learn more about Dr. Kerry Winge's work

Struggling with endometriosis? In part two of our series on endometriosis, Dr. Kerry Winge offers empowering strategies for navigating life with endometriosis, focusing on what you can control. Discover practical tools including personalized symptom tracking, essential nutritional changes for gut health, specialized physical therapy like myofascial release, and powerful nervous system regulation techniques such as bilateral music. Learn how small, sustainable shifts in diet, movement, and emotional support can combine to bring profound relief and transform your journey with chronic pain from a life sentence to a manageable condition. Don't miss these invaluable insights - subscribe for more empowering content, leave a comment with your experiences, and join our healing community.

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