SHE'S a well-known childcare guru who's parenting methods are praised by some and criticised by others who feel that her methods are too 'military'.

'The longer a mum puts it off and doesn’t talk to her husband, the harder it gets.’

Now Gina Ford seems to have stirred more controversy with comments published in her latest book, The Contented Mother’s Guide, which aims to tell women how to stay intimate with the father of their child.

The writer, who has made millions from her childcare manuals, said new mums should start showing sexual interest in their man four to six weeks after having a baby - even if they don't feel like it. 

She added that men can sometimes feel ‘emotionally closed out’ by a lack of intimacy following the birth of a baby and adds, 'sometimes you may just have to grin and bear it’.

Some experts are shocked by the comments, saying that new mothers are already under huge pressure in the months after giving birth.

Miss Ford, who has no children of her own, said in an interview, 'It’s up to parents to decide, but after about four to six weeks I encouraged every family I worked with to go out for a lovey-dovey afternoon or evening when they got glammed up and were not allowed to talk about the baby.'

‘Most of the men I speak to are pretty patient' she adds 'but problems come when they are closed out emotionally. The longer a mum puts it off and doesn’t talk to her husband, the harder it gets.’

She adds, ‘sometimes you may just have to grin and bear it’.

Miss Ford said women shouldn't feel pressured but that a healthy sex life makes a big difference.

We asked a few parents what they thought about the advice.

Sarah, mum to two said, “The thought of having sex that early on makes me cringe.  I waited until I felt ready.  My husband had no choice but to wait.”

Emma, mum of one said “I understand what she's saying.  Men probably can feel a bit left out once a baby has come between them and their partner.  But, I would hope most men understand what a new mum is feeling, knackered and traumatised in many cases, and give them the space they need.”

What do you think? Is Gina Ford offering helpful advice to women or just helping men?


Source: Daily Mail