The Homestretch or Soon To Be Back In The Saddle
It has now been 22 weeks and 1 day since I’ve been on the back of a horse. That’s either just about 5 months or 155 days – whichever sounds more torturous.
But tomorrow baby boy and I hit the 34th week of pregnancy, which puts our April 28 due date just 6 weeks away – if we make it that long. Suddenly, not riding seems much more manageable with the bulk of the time behind me. It’s a good thing too – with the early spring weather, removal of the winter blankets, and green grass starting to poke through – I don’t think I could handle being grounded for much longer.
Some of my barn buddies were teasing me last night that I’d be showing up still in my hospital gown to go for a ride on my horse. While that makes for a funny picture, I figure with what my body is about to go through I’ll probably need a couple weeks to recover before I will even want to get up in a saddle.
For those of you who’ve been there done that, how long did it take you to get back in the saddle after delivering your baby?
I don’t remember but I’m sure you’ll know when you feel well enough to ride again. Don’t rush it, you’re going to be a little sore and a lot tired after baby boy arrives. Good luck and have a Happy Labor Day.
I am in your same shoes with only 5 weeks left to go now, DD is 4/20! This is also my first pregnancy and we are having a boy too. Like you, I can not wait to get back in the saddle, but everyone at my barn assures me that the first couple weeks I won’t be able to function. My OB told me that so long as the birth goes “normal” and there are no stitches, etc, I could be allowed to ride as early as 2-weeks after. However, depending on what all goes down it could be as long as 6-weeks (or longer with a c-section) before I get her blessing. I rode up until I was 21-weeks along, so after being out of the saddle for 19-weeks, I’m going to be jonesing to get back on ASAP, blurry eyed, exhausted, and doc’s blessings or no. Perhaps I’m just desperate and overly optimistic!
-DS
Adventures In Colt Starting
You will definitely want your nether regions to heal first. The first baby sometimes creates some stretching and mild tearing (it’s really not as bad as it sounds) so take things slowly.
Have you checked out http://www.horse-pet-products.com a website made by and for horse lovers lik eyou.
I can only imagine how great it will feel to be back in the saddle after your child is born. Enjoy!
I know how you feel. I’ve had two kids. I landed up having caesarians for both. I only rode 6 weeks after having the kids. It did take a while but I figure that the wait was worth it because I was absolutely certain that I was healed. Riding a strong horse that is feeling a bit more well than your isn’t pleasant when you are tender and pulling. You also don’t anticipate the impact of sleepless nights. As much as I’d looked forward to riding, I never anticipated how much I would fall in love with my children. It was great! The best is now that my daughter is older she also rides and has her own horse. We hack out together. So don’t worry – the short term sacrifice (10 months or so) is worth a lifetime of enjoyment if you can get it with your child. Best of luck!
I got back in the saddle after a month. I thought it would be 2 weeks, and I probably could have physically ridden then, but I didn’t anticipate the lack of time I would have. I also didn’t want to leave my baby for the 2-3 hours it takes to drive to the barn, tack up, ride, untack and drive back, nor could I because she wouldn’t take a bottle! Fast forward seven months and it’s the same deal. I work full time and I don’t want to spend my evenings away from my baby. I never thought I would give up riding time, but here we are with my dream horse on the market and the light of my life in my arms. Being a working mom with a horse isn’t easy, that’s all I know. I’m looking forward to riding with my daughter in a few years and hope to lease a horse next year. I wish you the best of luck! I hope you find it easier than I did!
I’m following this conversation, waiting for someone to say that they jumped on their horse a week after giving birth to their little cherub! I’m due to have my first child May 21 and even though I’m looking forward to being a mum, I’m super excited about getting back on my ponies and starting the polo season.
When I say this to mothers (non-riding mothers) they laugh at me and give me a knowing smirk.
I’ll keep you posted. But please can someone comment that they rode the next week! Feel free to lie, for my own sanity.
I was back in the saddle 6 weeks after my child was born. It was on a very quiet horse and we just did light riding. (15 minutes?)
I didn’t quite feel ‘myself’ physically for 8 weeks after my son was born. Muscles, ligaments and bones were all still ‘reorganizing’ back to their origional positions.
If you can walk and run normally then you’re probably close to being yourself again!
I would suggest ensuring that your first ride be on a quiet/safe horse and stick to light riding at first until you really feel comfortable in the saddle.
Remember you would not push a horse that had been on pasture for 10 months to do a full out trainning session, right? That’s irresponsible horsemanship.
Give yourself the same courtesy.
(And always wear a helmet!)
One Stop Equine Shop has all the horse tack supply you might need.
I was away from the saddle from last 25 weeks due to pregnancy but now wait is over i ‘ll go for a polo season day after tomorrow. It will be great fun to go back in the saddle after such a long time. I am so much excited about getting back on my ponies.
That is great fun. I recently got a chance to get back to the saddle at a beach. It was so many years after ….It reminded me of my childhood days, the lovely moments that I and my family shared and the weekend saddle rides.
I am a gynac and do understand your cravings for going back to your riding schedules which you might be enjoying the most. Also in the weeks which you seem to be there is a immense change in hormones which makes one quite uneasy and uncomfortable for not able to do several tasks that they might be enjoying otherwise. But just relax and hear some soothing music.
Secondly post delivery in any case do not think of riding a horse for at least 45 days though you may have a normal delivery. Actually the body takes this time to get strong as before in any case. So avoid the urge and give this time for strengthening your body this will help avoid any complexities in future.
I am currently pregnant with my 5th child and i must say I HATE DOCTORS!!! I know what your going to say… “they know best” but I really don’t think that is always true. I was back on my baby about 1 week after having my new baby but i think I may be a bit on an exception to the rule. One thing I know is your body will be able to tell you when its right and when you need to sit out.
I hope this was helpful
good luck and congratulations.
-Rebecca