RP: C-Section Moms...I have a few questions

tlquist

I have also posted this on "2 under 2" 

I wasn't sure where to post this, so hopefully you ladies can help me. Due to a laundry list of complications with my pregnancy, my MD's have advised me to have a C-section, scheduled for 12/14/09. DD#1 will be 19 months old when DD#2 arrives. I had a natural vaginal delivery with DD#1, so this is a whole new world for me!

My questions are: I know lifting is a no-no, but when is it safe? And how quickly where you able to painlessly? (I'm trying to line up help/babysitters while DH is at work, lifting DD#1 in/out of the crib)

Is it unrealilistic of me to think I will be going to my brother's house on Christmas (11 days after C-Section)? There will not be a ton of people, just immediate family, very casua and it's 15 minutes away. We were just planning on stopping in for a bite to eat and exchange gifts 2-3 hours, tops.

Is there anything I need, other than pads? It sounds crazy, but I had a "kit" from my vaginal birth of Tucks pads, Witch hazel, Derma spray, etc. and I'm just wondering if there is anything I should get before I come home to prepare.

Sorry if this is a little long, I just want to be as prepared as I can, and not have crazy expectations of myself.  Thanks in advance!!! You ladies are great!

Helms

you sound really prepared!  i was told not to lift more than 15 lbs for the first month.  they also said that i shouldn't vaccuum, scrub floors, or do anything else that involves alot of bending or abdominal strength (it's a good excuse to neglect housework!), IMO it is NOT unrealistic to hope to go somewhere on christmas.  for me, the first 7 days after the c-sec was the worst.  you will be able to move, it just may not be overly comfortable. one thing that you might want to consider that helped me alot was to get something to put over your incision (i used these specially coated pads the gave me in the hosp).  your underwear are most likely going to rub it and it gets uncomfy fast.  i was also nervous about ripping out a staple!  hope this helps!  also, don't be too nervous.  it's not that bad and if you're anything like me, you'll bounce back quickly! good luck!

jenna0627

I had complications after my c-section so I still am not supposed to lift anything heavy until 3 months pp which will be Christmas Day. As far as going to your brothers house, I think that would be fine, I felt fine at that point but was still sore getting up and down. Your body really will let you know what is too much. After the surgery as soon as you get the ok from the hospital to get out of bed...DO IT. I had an emergency c-section at 5:00 on Friday and they had me up the next morning and I think that helped a lot. My SIL had a c-section and didn't get up and moving and her recovery was a lot longer than mine has been. The number one thing that I recommend you buy is BIG GRANNY UNDERWEAR. You will want nothing near that incision. I had bought the high waisted ones and they still weren't high enough the first few weeks.

myantonia

Lifting:  I was lifting my LO in his carseat right away after we got home, so I think after a week or so, you'd be fine to be lifting your DD#1 if it's just in and out of the crib.  You might have some pain, but it's not terrible.  Just do it slowly and carefully.

 

Christmas: Some people might disagree, but I think your Christmas plans are totally doable.  I flew across the country with my DS when he was 3 weeks old, so we were up and about very quickly.  There will be lots of people there to help you and hold the baby and you can just prop yourself up on the couch.  Sounds fine to me!

 

Stuff: My hospital gave me pads to take home and a peri bottle.   The only other thing I can think of that I really used alot those first few weeks was my bella band.  I kept it over my belly and incision site because having ANYTHING rub on it including shirts, loose pants, whatever was really uncomfortable. 

 

 

chelsearenee

I was able to lift things a few days after.   The pain meds helped of course, but recovery isnt that bad.  Not supposed to do stairs though.  You might want someone around for the first couple weeks.  You can totally go to your brothers for Christmas.  As for supplies, make sure you have some granny panties b/c you wont want anything that touches your incision.

kc10786

1. I was told I couldn't lift more than 10lbs, vacuum etc for the first 6 weeks. 2. I don't think it is unrealistic. I was in a wedding 5 days after my C/S. You arn't 100% back to normal, but it will be totally doable. 3. The time spent in the hospital is the worst pain. Once you get home and get moving around a bit, you feel A LOT better. Just don't overdo it. It is still hard for the first week or two to sleep on your side or to roll out of bed. I took a pain killer once at home if that tells you anything. 4. Bring loose clothes! I mean REALLY loose! And I lived in yoga pants when I got home! Good luck and congrats!

brideofscowboy

Don't over do it post op.  I was told not to lift anything heavier than baby until 4 wks post op and even then if I lifted something too heavy I still felt a pull.

You'll  need pads of course, and take a pillow with you. It hurts to cough, laugh, sneeze etc at first. Hold a pillow and put a little pressure over your incision area when you do this.

Get up and move around, but don't over do it.

Granny underwear are a lifesaver.

It is reasonable to be going to your brother's house for Xmas, you'll likely be more of a fixture sitting that running around helping with dinner, presents etc.

Best wishes!

Becky262

My OB said no lifting anything heavier than LO during the first 6 weeks but I was able to lift him in the carseat much sooner than that without a lot of pain.

I was able to go out shopping and walking 2 weeks PP.  I felt great, but just listen to your body and keep up on your pain meds.  You'll know when you're doing too much

Besides pads, I also bought some night gowns (wearing any type of pajama pants or sweat pants were too uncomfortable) and some big ol' granny panties (the kind that practically came up to my nips  lol).  Wearing anything near my lower stomach or the incision was painful.  Also, I wasn't able to get in and out of bed.  I had DH move an armchair into our bedroom that was much easier for me.

 

Good luck! 

jday1229

DS was in the NICU for the first week so I was forced to walk the halls 7-8 times a day to go feed him until I was discharged after 4 days. The 3 days past that I spent returning to the NICU while DS was awake and shopping/killing time in town nearby between visits. I recovered very quickly and attribute it to moving a lot. I did stay away from lifting though, since it wasn't necessary. Just pay attention to your body and you'll do great. 11 days PP shouldn't be too bad.

snickerdoodle27

The biggest thing I can tell you is to rest. You're wise to be lining up people to help you now. YOur dr will give you instuctions on what your limitations are for lifting, etc. I basically didnt' do much of anything the first 2 weeks, except take care of dd.  As long as you feel Ok you can go to your brother's. I know personally I couldn't sit in the house much past 2 weeks! Definitely stock up on pads. Your dr will probably give you an Rx for pain meds. Get them filled and take them! If you feel like cooking make extra meals and freeze them so you can just heat them for quick suppers.

MelissaAB5579

First of all, GL with your C-section! It really wasn't so bad for me. The first 2-3 days were rough but I felt better after that, not great, but better. My doctor's rules were: Lift nothing heavier than the baby in his carrier for 6 weeks, light housework is fine ( if you feel up to it), and stairs were ok. You should be fine to do Christmas with your family, just don't overdo it!