after child birth traing regime?

[Jennifer]

Any suggestions for a training regime to get me back in shape? I'm not talking about losing weight, I mean endurance and strength. I had my baby 3 weeks ago and I'm definately ready to start riding again.

I've got my road bike set up on the rollers int he living room, because I'm breast feeding I can't leave the baby for more than a couple hours, and I just am not ready to be on the roads.

I am a (predominately) mountain bike rider if that makes a diff.

[maillotpois]

What does your doctor say? After I had a baby I was supposed to be off execrcise for 6 weeks, as I recall. I had a c-section so that may have been the difference. But please check with your doctor first.

Once you get the okay from your doctor, I say start slow and build up. You've just been through about as much physically as you can put your body through. Things will be readjusting and healing for quite some time. Don't expect too much too soon and don't push yourself.

I started back with walking (fast) with the jogger stroller and built up from there. The trainer indoors is probably good, too, but you also want to get outside and walking with the stroller (and later, a backpack carrier) is great. I used that backpack carrier til Em was about 5. I tell you that builds some quad muscles!!! (Especially if you do the Dipsea steps with it! )

[Dianyla]

Three weeks ago? Did you deliver vaginally?

[Surlygirl]

Better ask your doctor. I was told 6 weeks also. You don't want to start to early and hemorrhage. You have to give your body time to recover.

[slinkedog]

The other thing I've heard that might be of some concern to you, since you're bf'ing, is that if you work too hard, you can get lactic acid in the breast milk which can be upsetting to Baby. Not sure if this is true... Lise is a midwife... maybe she can tell us more.

[Jennifer]

I did ask the doctor. She said that once I stop bleeding I could start slowly.

I had no rips or tears, no epesiotomy, so stopped at 2 weeks. Natural vaginal childbirth. I've been doing yard work, landscaping, mowing, hauling stone, tilling, gardening and chasing a 2 year old. Walking would be a break. I have been doing a regimine of planks, girl push ups, and crunches to build up core strength so I will be able to mountain bike when the time comes (I'll start slowly this weekend) Today I rode the trainer for 30 min, ave hr 120, which is pretty low. So I am starting out easy. But walk? I don't think so. Although I will admit that pushing a twin stroller full of baby is no stroll through the park, I don't consider that my "workout".

But yes I have doctor approval. Also, I would like to do a mountain bike race June 4. I don't want to WIN or anything, just get out and not embarass myself!