Post-birth riding?

pookie

pookie

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Being 27 weeks pregnant with my first, I've picked the worst time to get back into horses and riding! Assuming I don't have to have a c-section, how long d'you guys think I should wait before riding? I know it's very individual and there are lots of variables, but rough time-frames for when you started riding again would be appreciated
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With my first I waited about 6 weeks (like they tell you to). With my second I waited a week, I was so desperate to get back into it. With this one (currently 30 weeks) I'll proably be as impatient!! Go with how you're feeling. Also if you have an epidural you can have a sore back for a while,

The only thing that caught me out last time, was that my abdominal muscles and thigh muscles had gone to jelly and when I decided to go for a canter and my gelding did a buck buck buck I couldn't upright myself quickly enough so went splat. It'll definitely be powerwalking for me and gentle hacks for the first month or so when I do get back into it!!
 
Baileysno1 - good luck for whenever he or she puts in an appearance!
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How're you feeling?

cattysmith - I *shouldn't* be having an epidural as I'm having a home birth, but you've made some good points on the abs and thighs front. My abs are a nightmare at the moment anyway - too strong - so it's worth bearing in mind they'll probably end up going the other way by the end of this. Fair play to you on being back in the saddle after only a week! Currently being horseless means I'll probably be less impatient than I otherwise would.

I guess the other thing I'm worried about is coping with a newborn and trying to get back into the horsey scene. I'm sure it's possible but I'm not the most organised of people at the best of times!
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I rode straight after baby number 2, and with hindsight maybe I shouldn't have. I had a sore coxix (sp?) and it made me ride crooked for ages, in fact I have only just convinced my brain that it no longer hurts! I think also your balance alters when pregnant, and it takes a little while to get back to normal - oh and also, if you are breastfeeding, weraing two bras helps!!!
 
I started riding 5 weeks after no 1 (had episiotomy) but had to leave it 6 months to ride after no2 (3rd degree tear which refused to heal ). My advice is wait until you feel 100% ok to ride then wait another week - a few weeks here or there doesnt matter and theres no prizes for getting straight back on after delivery. Also if your horse has been out of work whilst you've been pregnant itmight be worth just having a little sit on something you know is quiet and is in work first. Currently expecting baby no 3 - i have no idea how i'm going to fit in time for riding after this one!
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I am due tomorrow hoping to be back on board by the end of the month, as long as I don't have to have an emergency c.

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I cant believe you are due already. I remember some of your earlier posts!! I was posting on here the day before I was due, I had a sweep and was getting contractions - Evie didnt put in an appearance for another 2 weeks! She is now nearly 7 months old and I am back to work on Monday - boy time flies. Good luck.

OP - I was back in the saddle at 5 weeks, but I was so jellified and after 15 mins my hips and tail bone realy hurt. It was probablyabout 10 - 12 weeks before I began to feel in control of my body. Now 7 months on I am able to school for an hour and can hack for a couple of hours before my hips ache and I get a 'bruised' feeling in my seat and tail bone. I am only able to find the time to ride 2x per week, very occasioanlyu 3x so thats making progress slow. Good luck with your pregnancy. One word of advice - if something starts to ache, rest. I was very bored when I finished work - week 37 - 42 so spent ages up the stables working. I ignored my aching feet passing it off as normal prega feet - I have stretched the ligaments etc and they still kill me 7 months later, wish I had listened to my mum now!
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I rode straight after baby number 2, and with hindsight maybe I shouldn't have. I had a sore coxix (sp?) and it made me ride crooked for ages, in fact I have only just convinced my brain that it no longer hurts! I think also your balance alters when pregnant, and it takes a little while to get back to normal - oh and also, if you are breastfeeding, weraing two bras helps!!!

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Yes forgot about the boob thing - if you are BF you need to make sure you feed immediately before riding, I resorted to wrapping an elasticated tail bandage around my monsters to keep them under control. Another issue may be you bladder
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!!! Start pelvic floor excercises now if you havent already.
 
Good luck with the birth of your baby, take your time and enjoy because they are not babies for long. I had my first child 18 months ago and felt it my worst nightmare to have an emergency c section. I was back riding on week four, I was very lucky as I pushed myself so quickly but to be honest, I should have given it longer, you will know when your body is ready but please if you do have a c section give it at least a few weeks longer than I did, its really not worth rushing, whats a few weeks in the scheme of things??
 
I agree, take your time and listen to your body - we are different. Also, there are so many variables, like stitches etc. Don't push yourself too early - you have just created a new human being - so be kind to yourself and your body.
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I had a C-Section, went for my 6 week checkup and asked if I could ride. Dr said quietly sit on a quiet horse and see how you feel. Was competing and won the working cob class at a local show the very next day. I think your body will tell you when you're ready.
 
I can recommend using a sheepskin saddle cover for the first few times you ride afterwards!
I had natural birth and stitches and had a short ride 2 weeks after giving birth. Then cos of time, energy and other things going on (mainly christmas and entertaining all our visitors) I didn't ride again till the new year so about 6 weeks afterwards. My stomach muscles are only just getting back to their old strength after 10 months but I don't ride that regularly anymore
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Good luck
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Thanks for all the input, everyone! It sounds like it could be a relatively fast process as long as I'm sensible and don't try anything beyond my capability. It's been a few years since I rode anyway so I doubt I'll be in quite the shape you guys are
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Can I just say at this point how lovely I'm finding this forum - the welcoming way people are prepared to answer questions has taken me aback a bit. In the 20-odd years I've been riding I've always hated the bitchiness and standoffishness that you often get, and this place couldn't be further from that! This is the only horse forum I've ever joined and I'm really pleased I did, even though I'm currently horseless and can't ride at the moment! I can see me relying on you guys when it comes to horsing myself up (hopefully next year)
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