Postnatal - Ladies advice please

EmmaCaz4

Hi all,

I had my baby girl 3 weeks ago with assisted delivery with episiotomy and forceps. I'm healing really well and have been out on long walks the past couple of weeks and am feeling great.

I really want to get back to training and lifting. I can't get to the gym for a few weeks yet as I'm breastfeeding and don't feel ready to leave my girl or express yet.

I have weights and resistance bands at home. Did any of you start lifting this soon after birth or did you leave it longer? I don't want to set my recovery back further but am thinking a couple of light days at home to ease myself back into it won't hurt. What do you think?

sardelsa

I would say this would definitely be a question for your doctor or OB. You absolutely do not want to risk doing anything while you are still healing/recovering, especially since your delivery was more involved. They will typically see you after 6 weeks or so, and give you the OK after that (provided everything is ok).

I know you want to get back to it but this is something I definitely would not rush, you will get back to it very soon.

Congratulations and good luck!

TavistockToad

Ask your doctor/midwife.

6 weeks is the usual.

DomesticKat

What did your doctor say? The recommendation is 6 weeks, and perhaps longer with a pelvic floor injury. Remember, even though you feel okay, your body is still undergoing significant healing internally. The site of your placenta is like a big scab on the inside of your uterus, so you want to take it easy and allow it to heal without disturbing it. Even if you stop bleeding, disturbing that will cause you to start right back up again (and is a sign to slow down) and worst case scenario, cause hemorrhaging. You also want your pelvic floor to heal completely since the muscles were cut. Those muscles work very hard during strength training. Walking is more than adequate at this stage.

kstarallen

I really would not without consulting your doctor first.

EmmaCaz4

Thanks ladies. I've realised I'm trying to rush things.

Going to stick to walking and some really light stretches and pelvic floor exercises until I see the doc.

alyangel123

I started back at 5 weeks with body weight. But noticed a drop in milk production on what I thought was maintenance calories. Stuffed my face until I felt full and bam, more than enough milk. So I would start with exercise when cleared and eating what ever you need to. At 6 weeks babys get fussier, and sleep deprivation will make this idea less appealing though haha

PennyP312

Exactly what domestickat wrote.
No need to rush it at this point. You’ll be back at it before you know it