Aftercare

Aftercare refers specifically to the attention given to a bottom at the end of a scene. Aftercare often includes the top utilizing various pampering techniques on the bottom in an effort to provide comfort to everyone after having an intense experience that can leave an individual, top or bottom, in a vulnerable state, but this is not always the case.

Prior to a scene, different people will have different requirements to express during negotiations for aftercare. The amount and type of aftercare required will also likely vary with frequency of play, closeness of play partners, types of scenes, relationship dynamics, fantasy elements at play, intensity of the scene and the overall head space and physical well being of the bottom before, during and after the scene.

Benefits of Aftercare

Aftercare is used primarily to not only ensure the bottom feels safe and secure, but can also be a wonderful exercise for the top as well, further, the nurturing and bonding that occurs helps to reduce the effects of, or eliminate entirely, sub drop and top drop for many individuals. For some, a lack of aftercare can be detrimental not only psychologically, but also physically.