How soon did you lift your toddler after your c-section?

manda429

The discharge nurse told me no heavy lifting until my 6 week follow up appointment.   I was thinking the guideline most people got was 2 weeks.  I really doubt I can wait 6 weeks, although I can minimize it.

Also, how soon did you drive? 

MyColonyNJ

I was given strict restrictions for 3 weeks.  But, I had a very complicated C-Section.  After the 3 weeks, I was supposed to still have restrictions, but less.

the first 3 weeks, I could not drive, and the doc really wanted me to only be a passenger for appointments only.  I could not do ANY lifting other than the newborn.

I could not wait to get off restriction.  I was on bedrest for a month before she arrived

Telyco

I was driving at a week (to the LC for breastfeeding help) and picked DS up at a week as well. I had to - he wasn't walking yet. I lifted with my biceps and bent my knees a little. I was careful and only lifted him once in a while...but by 2 weeks I was 100% on duty all day...so I did what I needed to do.

edsamyb

I waited 2 weeks before I started lifting DD#1, that being said if I over did it, I did notice an increase in bleeding.  As far as the incision, it healed fine.

howleyshell

Lifted him about 2 days after arriving home so less than 1 week post surgery.

I personally think it's unrealistic to ask a woman with a toddler to not lift him for 2 weeks (what I was told) much less 6.  Six sounds like overkill IMO. 

Just bend with your knees and listen to your body. 

As for driving... I was able to drive as soon as I was willing to give up pain meds. 

mlf625

I was lifting DS within a week. 

Drove DD to her 2 week appointment.  I probably would have driven sooner (as soon as I was off the Vicodin, so a day after getting home) but my mom was there to drive us around.

A_Schmitz

I waited a week be4 I picked him up! It was difficult bc he always wanted mommy! I didn't drive until 2 wks! If you have to pick lo up the nurse told me whatever you do don't bend over but use your back/knees!!

victoria1977

I lifted DS into my hospital bed on day 3, and pretty much every day after day 5 when I got home. I also drove myself to fill a prescription the day I got home. I will say I had a super easy c section and recovery which helped a lot.

emylos

I waited 2-3 weeks to drive and tried to avoid picking up DD#1 for about 3 weeks.  If she wanted attention, I would sit on the sofa or chair and help her climb into my lap or I would help her climb up to my level to that I wasn't physically picking her up.  Even though you may feel back to normal, your insides are still healing and you have the risk of hemorrhage if you overdo it.  IMO, it's not worth the risk when there are ways to try to work around actually picking up your toddler.

maramarrie

After my first c/s I was told not to drive or lift more than the baby for 1 week. After this repeat c/s I was told no driving or lifting more than the baby for 2 weeks. Not sure if they just changed the recommendations or if this was because it was an RCS. I am not supposed to lift my toddler until after seeing my doctor this week.