Getting back in the saddle after having a baby

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Morrigan_Lady

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www.teamterrellshowjumping.co.uk
This coming Saturday little Harry will be 2 weeks old and I was considering trying to get back in the saddle (my beutiful, much missed jumping saddle!!) Only to just get on and have a little walk and see how I feel.
Harry had to be removed with forceps, so I have stiches, but it all feels ok down there, but I was wondering what other peoples experiences were and how long you left it till you got back on a horse?
 
Firstly congratulations on the arrival of little Harry, secondly sorry I can't help with when to get back on board, I had a c sec with my twins so I wasn't able to get back on for months afterwards!! When I did I actually booked a lesson at a local riding stables and got on a plod, just until I knew that everything was ok, the lesson didn't really do me any good (as in improve my riding etc!!) but I did soon realise that apart from struggling to mount I hadn't lost any balance in my riding and ended up schooling their horse!!!! After that it was plain sailing.....

Good luck and enjoy, just don't push yourself.......
 
Hi. My daughter was born by c-section after I had spent 3 days in labour last June. I was able to get back in the saddle after 2 weeks, although only for a short hack on a long rein to start with, I felt very weak to start with - not so much lack of balance more unfit and little strength in my body. I did a little more each day though and was not long before I felt I was returning to normal riding, I went back to eventing in mid August so all in all this was about 10 weeks after my daughter was born.
I would say whenever you are feeling ready go for it, get the mounting block out, and if it doesn't go so well just get off, dont worry yourself and try again another day. Good luck and best wishes, I hope all goes well for you.
 
I had a ventouse and many stitches. I waited until 4 weeks as I just didn't feel ready plus horse was quite spirited so I wanted to feel as well as possible before getting back on.

If you feel ok, I'd say give it a go. Remember though that your ligaments will still be 'slack', for want of a better word, due to your hormones, so you may feel kind of weak.

Have fun :)
 
quirky said:
I had a ventouse and many stitches. I waited until 4 weeks as I just didn't feel ready plus horse was quite spirited so I wanted to feel as well as possible before getting back on.

If you feel ok, I'd say give it a go. Remember though that your ligaments will still be 'slack', for want of a better word, due to your hormones, so you may feel kind of weak.

Have fun :)
Click to expand...

^^ this ^^ (and your first half-halt may be interesting ;))

Also I found I had to be *ahem* more careful in my choice of underwear :D
 
:):):)Congrats on the new arrival.

I would wait until you have your 6-8 week check with the doctor. You may look and feel fine on the outside buts its the damage to the inside that needs to heal.
 
Hi,
I had a forceps delivery and stitches nearly a year ago. I got back on after 4 weeks. I was very uncomfortable just walking after 2 weeks so thats why i waited 4.
I would just be careful about the stitches healing and not being torn back open but you will know how you feel.
Also make sure you do your pelvic floor exercises, i realised i should have done mine more when i got back on.
 
Congratulations! I had a ventouse and hefty load of stitches first time and found recovery quite a lengthy process! However, I did get back on board (gently!) after 4 weeks, and loved every minute. I loved having a bit of fresh air and 'me time', although rising trot was a little uncomfortable!! I'd recommend using a v supportive bra! My stomach muscles were v weak too and I was fairly washed out with all the sleepless nights, so I didn't push myself too much. I'd say, if you feel up to it, give it a go! Just chill about it, don't stress if you find it too exhausting, and take it slowly. Best of luck, enjoy yourself, and enjoy your little boy!
 
Congratulations! I had a c section for my twins and waited until I had my 6 week check up before riding again - then I did a grid clinic 2 weeks later :eek:. Everything felt a bit wobbly as my core strength seemed to have vanished and I needed to wear 2 bras as I was breastfeeding (it also meant I couldn't get my back protector on :rolleyes:).

Just remember, there is no rush, it is not a competition to see who can ride the quickest after delivery and, most of all, enjoy some precious 'you' time.
 
I'm interested in this too as due in two weeks, b ut mainly wanted to say congratulations on the birth of your little one!!! :-)
 
Congratulations on your new arrival. i am training as a physiotherapist and my last placement was in a maternity ward. We advised people based on the degree of tearing obviously 1st degree is not bad and in which case as soon as you feel comfortable then you can begin to try although you will ifnd it pulls when trying to get on and also if you have a wide horse it wont be comfy experience. Ideally you should be waiting 4-6 weeks before begining to try riding again especially if your horse is not a total plod and i would advise you not to be on board for probably anymore than 20-30mins at the most. Only walk until your 6week baby check as our ligaments take a while to get back to normal elasticity and you dont want to be ending up with a dislocation or anything like that just for rushing it.
It is obviously down to how you feel but maybe you should wait til 4weeks and then try iy out as then internally you will me very close to totally healed. try to do some nice gentle core strength exercises if you have been given a leaflet or advised then do that if you want some to do to help get your muscles to begin to react again then PM me for the ones we gave out.
Good luck take it easy x
 
I had stitches and waited 4 weeks, week 5 I got chucked off, and it did no damage. I think i couldve got back on sooner but was trying to hold out for the 6week check but couldnt lol
 
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