Post Caesarian

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wvfoxylady

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Hi everyone. Has anyone on here had a caesarian, and if so when did you start riding again? I had one 7 weeks ago and am desperate to ride my mare. I feel absolutely fine and am back to doing everything else without any discomfort.
She is relatively sensible and not a strong ride. Not planning on doing anything strenuous, just a bit of schooling.
When I ask non-horsey medical people they are like "OOH i dont know, quite a while i would think" well how long is quite a while, im chomping at the bit here!.
Any advice appreciated.x
 
I was back on board at 10 weeks on my little mare who I knew well, for a quite mooch around the lanes, felt OK at the time but knocked me flat for a couple of days afterwards which definitly did not go down well with the OH.

Did the surgeon mention how well you'd healed up after it? Apparently mine was perfect hence I risked it.
 
I was back in the saddle 5-6 weeks after my op and was fine, although I came a bit unstuck when I started jumping and discovered my stomach muscles were non existant, so you might wantto leave that a little longer.

One consideration that nobody mentions is that your pelvis softens and spreads for delivery, and will take a couple of months to go back to how it was before, so it is a vulnerable time for your bones too.
 
Thanks for your post guys. Not planning on jumping for quite some time yet. Probably lost my nerve anyway.
Its my oh I have to convince!! I feel great. Doctors and mws were really pleased with my wound and its just a mere scar now.
I know I have to take it easy because of my stomach muscles and suture wound in them, but I stopped riding when I found out I was preggers, which was at 5wks, so it seems like an eternity since my butts been in a saddle. I trust my horse 100% to look after me and she has been getting regular work from a friend throughout my pregnancy.
 
I was months before I got back on. I think H was 7 months old.

I did try riding once before then but it felt crap. I hate riding when I feel all unfit and blimp like. Mine is a big moving horse which I think makes a difference too.

When I got on at 7 months I was well a truely ready to get back on and felt good. However I hadn't ridden during my pregnancy due to hideous morning/all day sickness so I was VERY unfit by the time baby came along.

Just get on when you feel ready.

The strangest thing for me is that I have "more" confidence riding than I have had for years. Most people lose it but I am right up for it. Heheheheheee.
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Ages after 1st one, v.slow to heal. About 6 wks after 2nd one. So much better straight away.

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Out of interest,,,,Was there any difference between the two pregnancies/births?
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Firstly congratulations on your new arrival!
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I have not had a baby so I really have no idea but I would think as long as everything has gone ok you would be able to start gently riding again. But I wouldn't do any schooling or galloping for a few more weeks!
 
I too had a caesarian just 7 weeks ago on the 4th! I rode yesterday for the first time and other than breathing in to get in my jods it was fine. The only thing that aches a tiny bit today is the tops of my legs so I say go for it if you feel OK!

How are you coping with your little one,?
 
Gawd this post is frightening as I cannot believe people got back in the saddle after so little time after a section
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I know it all depends on how fit you were and toned up before the operation but I am a little concerned on the short time people have had before jumping back on.
Just out of interest did anyone consult their GP or health visitor before climbing back aboard ?
I would have though drs would have a fit if they read this thread.
Although the wound may look fine on the outside it is the internal stitches and damage to nerves and muscles that take longer to heal.
I had a section with my daughter over 12 years ago and although I wasn't actively riding at the time I still took my time getting back in the swing on things. My wound healed quickly and nicely. But I can remember doing things like the hoovering and hard cleaning and going on long uphill walks with the baby before I should have done and boy did I pay the price.
Felt totally knackered, felt as though bp was up as I got very hot and my wound and stomach muscles burned and were sore afterwards.
It was a warning to tell me to slow down.
To be honest if you're strongly thinking of getting back in the saddle why don't you consider swimming for a few weeks first? That way you can exercise safely without having the effect of gravity and you can tone up gently.
I know swimming was great for me and I swam each week up until I was over 9 months pregnant. I was certainly not unfit as a person although I didn't do workouts or go to gyms etc.
To be honest I would rather you consult your doctor about this rather than ask on the forum.
That means no disrepect to anyone who has answered but each person is very different according to their body shape, level of fitness and how long they take to heal.
I know I would not want it on my conscience to tell someone well I was ok after x number of weeks and then someone think oh I will be ok and then something happens to them, but that is me.
To be honest foxylady I would consult your gp or health visitor about this and maybe think about going swimming for a few weeks to get your fitness levels back up and to do some toning safely.
Carolinex
 
Thanx everyone. Going to see GP tomorrow so will ask her then.
I know exactly what you mean Caroline about the burning sensation. I started to hoover and do housework etc far too early. When lo was only 3 weeks and by did I feel it. You really do have to listen to your body.
I am aware that it is the internal sutures and wound that I have to be careful of. I have had no discomfort for quite some time now and am back to doing everything else. ie mucking out, lunging, housework and Im going back to work next week. EEK.
I know that Im going to have no muscle tone on my stomach either as Im too frightened to do sit-ups etc. I know, stupid isnt it. Scared to do sit-ups but want to ride my horse.Thanks for all your opinions and will take GPs advice tomorrow.
Just wanted to know how other people coped post caesarian as dont know any other riders that have had one.
Burtie, im coping really well with my baby Ava., she is sleeping through the night, every night now. Woohoo.
How are yous all coping with juggling work,horse,babies,partners and everything else.Are yous run raggered or do you feel in control? ha ha.x
 
I was in hospital for 6 days after my op, then the health visitor came to see me at home and to remove the stitch...she caught me digging the garden which had got a little neglected in late (overdue) pregnancy and while in hospital.

She did warn me to stop if anything hurt..but made no other comments - except to say that I was clearly one of the patients she wouldn't need to worry about
 
I think there is a lot of pressure to get on early. I don't know why, there just is. That is why I set Christmas as my "get on" date. That way I could just forget about any pressure and enjoy a few months with my baby and getting fit.

A Dressage lady I know told me not to get on before 3 months. Her physio had told her that it takes that long for all your ligaments etc to strengthen again after having a baby. She had got on too early and has regretted it ever since. She practically begged me not to get on too soon. lol.

Again, everyone's body's are different.

I just worry about women bowing to peer pressure rather than doing what feels right.
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