How soon can I start doing Kegels?

[KKmama]

So I had a 9+lb baby about a week and a half ago. I have a tiny tear upward and a small episiotomy the other direction (to stop the progress of the tear). Things feel pretty good down there, considering. I'm a big believer in Kegels, but I don't want to overdo it so soon. I've tried, and I seem to actually be able to do a Kegel (I'll admit I was surprised). So what's okay at this point? How many? How intense?

I can't believe I forgot to ask at the time of the birth (and I'd feel sheepish calling the dr's office with this question)...

[applejuice]

Why would you feel sheepish at asking advice from the person you have hired and paid for their expertise?

My experience has been to do the Kegels as soon as possible.

The extra blood circulation to the area can help the healing process.

If you have pain, that may be an indicator that you are doing too much too soon.

Listen to your own body.

It knows.

editted for typos

[KKmama]

Applejuice asked
Why would you feel sheepish at asking advice from the person you have hired and paid for their expertise?

Because I know most people don't like doing them... I doubt they've ever gotten a call from a woman who birthed so recently *asking* to do them.

[doctorjen]

You can't hurt anything doing Kegels. They don't cause the muscles to contract in any way that would pull at stitiches or a healing laceration, if anything they bring them more together. Kegels increase blood flow to the area and speed healing, and often they make you feel better and have less pain, too.

[babyluvr]

NOW, NOW, NOW!! thanks for the reminder to do them!

[copslass]

Yep, go for it!

[Nates_mommy]

If it doesn't hurt, go for it!

I was so used to doing them all the time while I was pregnant, that after a few days I realized I hadn't done one in since and tried...ouch! I stopped that habit for a while, until the day came (a few weeks later) that it didn't hurt terribly. I had a pretty bad tear (akward was the term my midwife called it) so I went easy for a while. But now I do them all the time.

A good habit to keep!

[thepeach80]

Congrats on your baby! Last I heard you were in labor, but I guess I missed the story.