Cycling after giving birth

[iFKA]

HI,

I gave birth 4 months ago. I had a episiotomy and my doctor told me last month I could exercise but it would be better ride a bike on spring. Since I knew the winter is coming I didn't ask to much question but now I'm feeling fine.

Few months ago I ordered new Cube LTD Race 2011 and it came last week so I can't wait to ride. If I can do all other exercise why can't I ride a bike (not mountain terrain, but on the road for the beginning)

When did you start to cycle after giving birth?

[abejita]

I am no expert, but I would imagine if you are completely healed after your delivery and episiotomy I don't see why you shouldn't be able to ride what ever you want. Did your Dr. give you a reason for the restriction?

[Biciclista]

yeah, sit on a bike. if it feels good, do it!!!
natural childbirth (with episiotomy) is NOT major surgery..

[OakLeaf]

I don't have children ...

but I've been taught that it takes about five months for relaxin levels in the body to return to normal after childbirth. Having that extra flexibility in the pubic symphysis might be a reason to stay off a bicycle saddle?

Just a thought. Might want to ask your doctor what her reasoning was. It's also possible if you didn't need a saddle cut-out before, you may need one now?

[iFKA]

I don't want to ask my doctor again because I think he's a bit over protecting. He didn't even allowed me to be active while being pregnant because I had problems with my first pregnancy. After I stopped listening his every word and listen more to my body I felt better...

I'll try to cycle in babycircles and than we'll see how my body will react.

[kaseyloramar]

I am no expert, but I would imagine if you are completely healed after your delivery and episiotomy I don't see why you shouldn't be able to ride what ever you want. Did your Dr. give you a reason for the restriction?

Yeah, I would agree. If you don't have some type of special restriction, I don't see why you can't ride if it is not bothering you. Not only might it not be bad for you but good for you. As we know, when Momma's happy that helps the whole family especially the little ones JMO

[jdubble]

I waited a few months after son #1 was born (no episiotomy but I did tear so there were stitches) , more because the thought of sitting on the saddle scared me more than it should have. Once I finally did it, it was totally no big deal. I waited less time after son #2 (tearing w/ stitches again) - can't remember exactly when I hopped back on, but I know I was pulling him in the bike trailer (strapped in to his carseat) at 3 months. Not long rides, just around the neighborhood to the pool, etc. but there were no problems.

[Crankin]

There is no reason you can't ride. Just take it easy and be aware of the relaxed muscle thing like Oak spoke of.
Although it was back in the "Dark Ages" I was doing high impact aerobics six weeks after the births of both of my kids; I had natural births, episiotomies with both, #1 being a fairly good "tear."
If I hadn't been able to to to the gym and do this when my kids were babies, I would have gone crazy.

[crazycanuck]

IFKA!!! Welcome back! So nice to see you here again.

Congrats on your little one and enjoy your new bike!