Post natal training....

Well I thought I did well going hiking 2 weeks after a C section....I don't think I'd have been running or cycling!

Good luck 

Janie, I'm sure I've seen a book recently on returning to Tri after a baby which would be worth having a look for - not having a had a baby I didn't really take much interest in it so can't remember what it was called or who wrote it.

I would have thought the usual rules apply of knowing your body, don't push too hard and, especially if you are breast feeding, er on the side of under train and make sure you eat really well.

Just don't put your stomach muscles under too much strain. Will have knitted together by now but will not be up to full strength. I didn't have a c/sec so it made getting back into less complicated for me

Think Lindi's right- listen to your body.

don't bother asking your health visitor unless its someone who works out, they probably won't have a clue.

My wife was told not to drive for 6 weeks afterwards.  They didn't mention cycling, oddly enough

Time to get a turbo trainer, I would have thought.  Not only can you stop if you're feeling any pain without being miles from home, but the noise will get junior to sleep.  Well, vacuum cleaners do that, so why not turbos?

Whoops should have mentioned - my baby's seven weeks now so I've been okayed to start exercising again.  Not sure if the GP fully appreciates my idea of exercise though so thought I'd get some ideas from here!

I've been out on my bike again - hadn't realised how much I'd missed it, and it felt fab, no pain whatsever, but like the idea of a turbo trainer - we have a small patio area just under the window for Ted's room.... Hmmmm.

having just become a student midwife today, I am not quite qualified enough to give proper advice.

but as a mum and a runner and a nurse with lots of experience, if you have been given the go ahead to exercise, then go ahead

listen to your body

take it easy if you feel tired, get any strange aches and pains

the medical profession doesnt have to much experience with ladies that want to train and are pregnant so err on the the side of caution.

a girl at my running club was still running when 7 mths pregnant

what peeps have said are right, lots of food, dont do too much, if you are still feeding, good support!

just do what feel comfortable and not too much

swimming and cycling may be better than running to begin with 

Janie, as a midwife I would say take it very easy (I am only a runner though, not a triathlete!).  Listen to your body, if you are tired or feel pain then stop right away, your smooth muscle (i.e. ligaments) is still susceptible to damage more easily than pre-pregnancy, as everyone's progesterone levels will vary in the time they take to return to normal.  The majority of the healing in terms of the scar (external and uterine) will have already taken place but you do need to be careful.  If you are still breast feeding make sure your nutrition (especially hydration) is good and be careful of those cooper's ligaments!  Take it easy on the high intensity stuff and watch the abdominal work.  However, do work that pelvic floor, the single most important muscle structure to exercise at 7 weeks postnatal, no matter how baby was born.  Have fun with your (gentle!) training

Jellybabe, good luck with your training - if you want to know anything give me a shout.  Just be a bit careful of advising in a student capacity in a public forum though, even if you say you aren't qualified.  We were always warned of this whilst training as lots of mums would ask for advice on some of the student midwife forums I frequented.  Enjoy it - it certainly is a rollercoaster ride!!

Mrs F

Just found the book reference - The Complete Guide to Postnatal Fitness by Judy DiFiore.

 I've not read it but I have got several others in the series which are really good.