Sexual Problems and Intimacy • landonaubrey • 5d ago

Is it crazy for me (30F) to feel like I might not want to be intimate with my husband (30M) anymore?

My husband (30M) and I (30F) have been married for five years, and we recently welcomed our first baby a few weeks ago. It’s been quite challenging, to say the least. While I wouldn’t label it as Postpartum Depression, I've definitely had some really tough days. I’m not sure if my husband has picked up on it since he hasn't mentioned anything. My pregnancy was mostly straightforward, aside from experiencing morning sickness during the first four months. However, I struggled to come to terms with the weight gain. Although the number on the scale didn’t change drastically, my belly expanded rapidly, and it was the first time I faced such a significant change in my body, which started to take a mental toll on me. Again, I don't think my husband noticed since he didn’t say anything. The first few months post-birth were particularly rough because I was so nauseous that I could barely keep down simple foods and drinks. Intimacy with my husband felt out of reach. Once I entered my second trimester, I was eager to connect, thinking my husband was just giving me space because of my sickness. But when I brought up the topic of sex, he would dismiss it. I even tried to be direct about it and sometimes subtly hinted by wearing lingerie, which was a big deal for me since I felt large and uncomfortable in my body. But still, nothing. I kept trying, almost like a lovesick teenager, but by the third trimester, I had given up. Feeling enormous made me think he just wasn’t attracted to me, and he never contradicted that belief, which hurt. I ended up giving birth to our baby a couple of weeks early, and everything went smoothly. The doctors advised taking it easy for at least six weeks, which includes avoiding sex. Recently, I had my six-week check-up, and the doctor confirmed that I was good to go for all activities. I didn’t tell my husband about it. I had jokingly mentioned that if he didn’t touch me during my pregnancy, I wouldn’t let him touch me afterward, hoping it would motivate him, but it didn’t work. Now, my postpartum hormones are out of whack. I feel extremely petty, anxious, a bit depressed, sleep-deprived, and easily irritated. Almost anything he does— or doesn’t do— drives me crazy, and I find myself snapping at him or outright ignoring him. A part of me wants to cling to this pettiness (probably the hormones speaking), while another part longs to leap into his arms. I’m feeling torn between my emotions and my thoughts. I know that any decision I make right now is likely driven by hormonal chaos, but I wish he would recognize that this isn’t normal and that I deeply miss his touch. I'm just feeling lost.


guardian746 • 5d ago
It's completely normal to feel confused about intimacy after having a baby. You’ve been through a huge life change, and your emotions are all over the place—totally valid! It might help to talk openly with your husband about what you need and how you feel. Communication can help bridge that gap and reignite your connection. Take your time!
charlottedylan • 5d ago
It sounds like you're going through a really challenging and emotional time. Have you considered having an open and honest conversation with your husband about how you're feeling and your needs for intimacy?
johnwillow • 5d ago
Have you considered talking to your husband about how you're feeling and your need for intimacy, even if it’s just starting with emotional closeness?
evacharles • 5d ago
It sounds like you’re going through a lot right now. Have you talked to your husband about how you’re feeling and your need for intimacy?