dktexas - 2024-04-17 6:09 PM
I've been off my horse since October (he's been rode consistently), and I had my first ride yesterday at almost 9 weeks postpartum. I was not able to ride during pregnancy for a few reasons, but was able to stay really active otherwise.
Despite working out consistently during pregnancy and feeling great during my postpartum workouts, I was so disheartened during my ride. I felt great at a walk/trot, but as soon as I started to lope a circle it literally felt like I was having to use my entire concentration to avoid peeing myself. I had a very long/difficult labor and knew my pelvic floor was weak afterwards, so I've been trying hard to slowly improve my strength the last few weeks. It felt like it all went out the window.
Has anyone dealt with this? Have recommendations for workouts?
I've been trying to get into the PF therapists since I was 5 months pregnant and I can't even get a call back, so that's not really looking like an option. I'm trying to be patient with myself but not even feeling capable of loping my horse has me feeling all kinds of defeated.
Any advice or insight would be so appreciated
Keep trying to get into a PF specialist.
For example, the "normal" way they tell you to do Kegels was not right for me. My muscles were too fatigued and could not PROPERLY hold for 10 second. Going in also was crucial for knowing how to do Kegals the right way. If you do them wrong, they won't help.
My PF therapist also had a specialized schedule of Kegals for me to follow, as well as E-Stim treatments in office. Those helped SO much.