exercises--how soon?

Body: 

Hello,

I am 2 weeks pp after my second child and it seems I have a severe prolapsed uterus and a possible rectocele. I have been advised to do lots of Kegels and stay off of my feet to allow the natural swelling of the uterus to subside. I was wondering when it is appropiate to begin the wholewoman exercises. Should I give my body time to heal through the 6 weeks postpartum? Or are the exercises helpful during this time of healing?

One other question. Has anyone experienced a vaginal cyst? If so, what treatments have been helpful?

Thanks.

hi there and welcome to the site

at 2 weeks pp, I would say the best thing to do is to rest when you can, eat good nourishing food, avoid constipation, do not ever strain on the toilet and learn the posture.

I wouldn't begin any exercises until lochia has subsided.

I would also go easy on the kegels. there's a good, informative blog entry 'kegels the right way' on this site, might be worth reading.

about the cyst, I've never had one, but I do remember someone posting about that here a while ago. try typing it into the search box.

and congrats on the new baby :)

granolamom,

Thanks for the welcome and for the advice. :) I appreciate your feedback and I'll try and check out the blog and post that you mentioned as well.

Our baby is a delight. We have been blessed beyond measure.

I am nursing at the keyboard right now so it's a bit tricky to type- but I wanted to respond to this quickly.
6 weeks is still very early for exercise. We have this silly notion that 6 weeks postpartum the body has returned to "normal" when it can actually take a few years.
If I was your personal trainer I would have you walking in the posture for as long as you feel comfortable a few times a day for the first 3 months or so. Then I would have you add swimming and yoga. Somewhere around 6 months I would advise working with free weights. I would recommend slowly working up to getting out of breath by the end of a great work out.
At all points I would remind you that your body has a communication loop that will let you know what is best. If it hurts don't do it! Get out everyday and move your body.

Your prolapse will not limit your exercise- it may change your approach. but you will be able to be in great shape.