Sexual Aspects of Pregnancy and the Postpartum in Non-Mainstream Orientation

Abstract

AbstractIn some parts of the World, one can barely imagine that a woman could have a sexual relationship with another woman. However, in other countries, same-sex marriage has become accepted and legalised.As a logical part of that social and legal development, lesbian couples can decide on pregnancy and motherhood. This chapter will deal with relevant aspects of sexuality and reproductive options in lesbian couples who have decided to start a family with their own children. At first, some information is shared on the prevalence of lesbianism and lesbian motherhood and then on the marital and reproductive rights of women with a non-mainstream orientation.In the next part, the chapter will pay attention to the phase of decision, conception, and beyond. It will also make recommendations on providing good care to the lesbian couple, especially concerning sexuality. Those lessons are relevant for everyone, especially for HCPs in cultures where people have not yet developed a greater degree of acceptance (and respect) for lesbian women.This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.