8 Ways to Unleash Your Inner Hot Mama

By Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, Special to LifeScript

You had a baby. Congratulations! Now you’re somebody’s mom. But that doesn’t mean you have to turn into your mother. There’s no reason to surrender your playful, flirty, lusty side just because you’re pushing a stroller. Even if you’re a mom who gets drooled on, you can still be a woman men drool over. Here are 8 essentials that can help you become a smokin’ hot mama...

1. Get your body back.
Of course, no one expected you to sashay out of the hospital wearing skinny jeans, newborn in arms. It took 10 months to put that weight on; it’ll certainly take time to whittle it off.

But if it’s been a few years now, and your “baby” is starting kindergarten (or graduate school!), it’s time to stop pretending that’s pregnancy weight clinging to your hips. Real women do have curves, but you know if you’ve crossed over to frumpy dumpling.

Slim down slowly and take heart in knowing that you gained your weight creating another human being – not because of an uncontrollable urge for Twinkies.

Sex After Child Birth

Don't Start Too Soon

Remember that sexual activity should not be resumed until at least four weeks after giving birth. This applies whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, because your body will need time to heal. Many ob/gyns will recommend waiting 4-6 weeks before having sex. This allows time for the cervix to close, postpartum bleeding to stop, and any tears or stitches to heal. If you have sex too soon you risk pain, soreness, and infection. If you decide to have sex during this period despite your doctor's warning, be sure to use a condom to reduce your chances of infection.

Once you get the green light from your doctor: you can have sex again. But while this news will make your partner a very happy man, you may be a bit worried about resuming your love life. Something very large came out of that area, and it was traumatic, even though the delivery brought the gift of your beautiful baby. You're worried about sex—worried it will be painful—worried you'll have no sex drive. The truth is, these are reasonable fears, but facing fears is the best way to conquer them. Let's take a look at the issues:

New Responses

*Sex will be different now. You will want to have gentle lovemaking sessions at first. It may take a few months for you to learn your new sexual responses: what feels good, what hurts. Be patient. You may also have concerns about your fit with your partner now that you've delivered a baby. It may feel different for your partner and for you, but in general, the body is designed to return to its pre-pregnant state. Be religious about doing your Kegel exercises. This will strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor to help you regain that perfect fit.