2nd CSection- care for DD while recovering

Starfish+77

So I know I'm ahead of myself since I'm not due until April, but I'm already concerned about care for my DD while I'm recovering since she will only be 16 months. How long before I can pick her up?? I'm sure she will be walking by then but will still need to be picked up at times. My DH will likely take off 2 weeks but then need to go back to work, I have no other help. Wondering if I should look into a mothers helper for a short period of time while recovering. Of course I had a csection with my DD, but didnt have an older child to also care for. Was anyone else in this situation??

susandnichols

My Dr didn't clear me to lift anything heavier than my baby for 6 weeks. I would definitely line up help for after your husband's return to work.

nawlinsgrl

My DD was 14 months when I had DS last month.  Like PP, I was told not to lift anything heavier than DS for 6 weeks, but that wasn't very realistic, even with help for the first 3 weeks.  I do try not to pick her up very often or for long though, after making the mistake a little too much for a few days.  It made my bleeding get worse, but luckily it didn't seem to hurt my scar, unlike last time, when I overdid it lifting stuff because we moved one week after DD was born.

I basically try to limit carrying DS right now and only pick her up to put her on the bed or changing table.  Luckily she started walking right before DS was born, so she can get wherever she needs to go in the house without being carried.

Lovehavinggirls

My dd1 is 2 and my dr said I could put her to bed at 3 weeks pp. if my husband is around he puts her in the crib but if he is working then I do it. We had help until 3 weeks

swgdvm

my first daughter was 2.5 when I had my first.  I had my mom's help for the first week and a half and I don't think I could have done without.  One thing that helped me was stools everywhere! I had one in the car, in front of her bed, in front of the sink/bath.  That way my first could climb instead of being lifted.  Not sure how this method will work with a 16 month old though.  good luck!

jesselayne8

DD was 17 months when DS was born. I was on my own 11 days pp. I just limited my trips upstairs but I still lifted DD in and out of her high chair and crib and carried her up and down the stairs. Not lifting her for 6 wks is unrealistic. Listen to your body it will tell you if you are doing too much.

nicababy

I'm 11 days post c/s and have a 21 month old. My doctor told me at 4 weeks I could pick up DD if she's calm to put her into her crib, carseat, high chair etc., but not if she's thrashing and having a fit.

AlwaysForgetful

No, you don't need one. My older kids were 14 months apart and then 13 months apart. The first was a preemie. So I had little ones when #3 was born, both needing lifting.

They normally say to not life anything heavier than baby for a few weeks. You will not die if you lift your other child. Just keep it to a minimum. Get her use to trying things on her own right now. Also if you lift her a lot, start stepping that down. Given her age, I will assume she will be able to get onto the couch. Start changing diapers there or on your bed so that you are not lifting her when she needs changed.

Eleventy11

My DD was a 25 lb 14 month old when DS was born. My doctor told me I could pick her up the day after surgery. He said I was stitched tightly and I wasn't going to hurt anything. I took him at his word and was picking her up while I was still in the hospital. I had no issues. I had to take it somewhat easy with her, but was able to completely care for her when needed.

MomtoH

I lifted my son (2.5 at the time) in the hospital because I forgot I couldn't.  That did make me a little sore.  My husband was home the first 13 days because my daughter was in the NICU.  By the time he went back to work, I was totally back to normal (despite carrying a little extra weight). I suppose I have really easy recoveries and not everyone will feel ok right away.

JulyMomma2U2

I had a 12 month old (23lbs) when I delivered my second.. my OB told me to wait 2 weeks before picking him up.. BUT, that if someone were to hand him to me, I was okay to hold him before 2 weeks as long as it didn't make me sore.  I would say around a week I started lifting him on occasion (mostly by necessity) and by 2 weeks I was carrying him up and down the stairs without any issues.. I agree with PPs.. every recovery is different, but that was my experience.

Worcbride

When I had DS, DD was 22 months old;  I had help for the first 3 weeks but honestly was fine.  I didn't carry her around but I did lift her in/out of her crib/chair/car seat.  I didn't overdo--no big deal if the older child eats a few meals on the floor (make it a picnic) or takes a nap in a nest on the floor.  

jdubh

I've also been concerned about this and love the answers that the other ladies have given. My DH will be home with me for 3 weeks and hopefully my mom will come when he goes back to work. My OB stressed that he REALLY wants him home with me those first few weeks, and that made DH understand why I was so worried. Our DD will be 31 months when DS makes his arrival but she's a spoiled Mommy's girl so I know that this is going to be a challenge for both of us.