How Do I Tell My Partner I'm All Touched Out?

The issue of feeling "touched out" is often overlooked when discussing the experiences of new moms or moms with multiple children. This can create a barrier to intimacy between partners. As a woman, you may be hesitant to hurt your partner's feelings by constantly rejecting their advances. You may even feel anxious when they try to kiss or hug you, fearing that it will lead to expectations of sex.

Motherhood can sometimes leave you emotionally and physically drained, making it difficult to provide love, affection, and physical comfort to others, including your partner. Taking care of a newborn can be incredibly demanding, as they rely on you for everything around the clock.

So, how can you cope with feeling "touched out"? First and foremost, it's important to understand why this happens and recognize that it is completely normal for new moms to experience these feelings. Be kind to yourself and show yourself some compassion during this time. If you feel guilty about your negative reaction to your partner's touch, remind yourself that it doesn't reflect how you feel about them, but rather a need for personal space and autonomy over your own body.

Secondly, open and honest communication is crucial. Share your feelings with your partner and provide them with some information, such as literature from your doctor, to help them understand the normalcy of what you're going through. This can help reduce defensiveness and foster understanding.

Lastly, make an effort to schedule quality time with your partner to maintain an emotional connection. Neglecting physical intimacy can also impact the emotional bond between partners. By setting aside dedicated time for each other, you can nurture your relationship and strengthen your connection.

So are you a new mom who is "all touched out"? What's been your experience?