Discovering YOU Magazine March 2017 Issue | Page 38

RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE

Advances in technology, beyond the surgical interventions of the past, have made it possible to remedy some of the functional issues so many women face after giving birth, helping them rebuild self-esteem and regain intimacy with their partners, yet such solutions and interventions are not regularly discussed.

Thankfully, there are several ways to relieve discomfort and gain confidence after giving birth:

* Address your discomfort: Vaginal looseness is a common side effect of childbirth. Clench and release exercises known as Kegels are a simple way to strengthen pelvic muscles, which may help with looseness. To address vaginal dryness, many women look to manufactured lubricants as a way to ease their discomfort.

* Talk to your doctor: Consider a simple, non-surgical procedure to help restore intimacy after having a child. There are non-invasive treatment options that exist, such as CO2RE Intima by Syneron Candela, which can treat pain and dryness in three 15 minute sessions, three weeks apart. 94 percent of women reported that the treatment helped improve vaginal rejuvenation, [8] making intimacy easier and more approachable for women who may feel hesitant after having a child. Additionally, 81 percent of women who used CO2RE Intima reported a boost in sexual gratification. [8] To find out more about CO2RE Intima and how it can help you regain control of your intimate wellness or find a doctor near you, visit CO2REIntima.com.

* Spend time with your partner: Remember why you fell in love with your partner. Make time to get out of the house on a date night for dinner or a movie. Although intimacy and self-confidence are important parts of women's overall happiness, many women struggle to achieve them after birth, as functional problems can last well beyond delivery. As these symptoms are common, women should feel comfortable seeking remedies which can help them rebuild their self-esteem. After all, happy moms are the best moms.

"Although the majority of women positively adapt to the physical changes their body experiences during pregnancy, they often

do not retain the same level of self-confidence after childbirth."