It's not exactly a newsflash that pregnancy and childbirth bring enormous changes in people's lives. But not every couple is prepared for the impact parenthood can have on their sexual relationship, particularly when it's the first baby. Of course we expect to put sex on hold for a while in the period just before and after the birth, but most of us naively expect that pretty soon things will return more or less to normal. Unfortunately, for many couples it doesn't work out like that. Typical contributions to the discussion of post-baby passion usually follow the line of 'lubricate, medicate, try alcohol and variation', which at the end of the day doesn't really cut it.
But in this timely new book, Martien Snellen explores the factors that can influence and inhibit your sexual relationship when you're a new - or newish - parent, from changes in body image to serious health issues such as postnatal depression; from divergent levels of interest to . . . just not being able to find the time. And most importantly, he offers practical, down to earth suggestions for rethinking your relationship and rediscovering physical intimacy - in a way that works for both of you.
Funny, insightful and deeply wise, Martien Snellen has written an essential read for anyone who's looking to rekindle the sparks of their relationship, or simply wants to better understand the implications of one of the less spoken-about aspects of parenthood.
