Biking and an episiotomy

[tricanada]

Two weeks ago I had a baby and along with it came a third degree episiotomy (18 stitches). The good news is the baby is healthy. I had hoped to resume riding as quickly as possible - this was before I knew what 18 stitches would feel like! I swam, biked and ran throughout my pregnancy and my doctor fully supports me resuming my activities based on how I feel.

My question is what are some of your experiences or words of wisdom as to when I can realistically expect to get back in the saddle. I have a tri and a road bike, if positioning makes any difference.

Thanks in advance.

[Cindyloo]

I haven't had any children but I do know what an episiotomy is and just reading the title of the thread made my butt draw up . Congrats on the new baby!!!

[margo49]

Congratulations! You have a healthy baby and the how-it-came-out is irrelevant and will become even moreso (less-so??) as time passes.

I have pm'd you (as a veteran of 2 episiotomies and a tear on the birth of ds#2 - it's a tapestry Down There I can tell you even tho' I haven't looked at it since the first one and I fainted. But you are prob'ly made of sterner stuff)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I haven't had any children but I do know what an episiotomy is and just reading the title of the thread made my butt draw up . Congrats on the new baby!!!

What she said.
The words "biking" and "episiotomy" should not be used in the same sentence!

Hope you heal fast! If it were me I would wait at least 6 weeks for the tissue to heal completely, and then I'd take it real s-l-o-w....

[Trekhawk]

What she said.
The words "biking" and "episiotomy" should not be used in the same sentence!

Hope you heal fast! If it were me I would wait at least 6 weeks for the tissue to heal completely, and then I'd take it real s-l-o-w....

Im with Lisa take it real slow. I have three kids and can list one episiotomy, one tear and one emergency c section to the list. I wasnt biking at that stage so I cannot tell you how long before you will be back on the bike. I did however get a great tip from one of the nurses and it was to dry the area after showers with my hairdryer. It really helped.

Sending wishes for a speedy healing process.

[xeney]

(WHY DID I READ THIS THREAD? I saw the title, knew I should not read it, and read it anyway. No woman who is eight months pregnant needs to be thinking about bicycle saddles and episiotomies at the same time.)

[mimitabby]

I agree with the 6 weeks!
that's a lot of stitches!
you've had a major tear. PLEASE don't be in such a hurry.

[Trekhawk]

(WHY DID I READ THIS THREAD? I saw the title, knew I should not read it, and read it anyway. No woman who is eight months pregnant needs to be thinking about bicycle saddles and episiotomies at the same time.)

Dont worry I know plenty of women who have given birth and required not a single stitch. I just wasn't one of them unfortunately.