remind me c/s restrictions

lemen99

what can I expect as far as lifting/stairs?

(trying to line up help - how long will I need 24/7 help with Andrew?)

thanks

NDwife07

I was told not to lift anything for the first few days, and to try not to lift anything heavier than my baby for the first month or so.

If your c/s recovery is smooth like mine, I feel like I could have dealt with a toddler by about week 2 or 3. But seriously, I think that was pretty quick.

SusieDMB

The worst part for me was my feet being swollen--they were already really bad since Josie was born in July, but I guess you don't lose fluid as well with a c/s.  I still looked 5 months pregnant for about a week.

Don't forget you won't be able to drive for a couple of weeks too--that was a big pain in the butt since Todd worked nights.   Even though he was home, he was still on his work sleeping schedule.

ballugurl

SusieDMB:

The worst part for me was my feet being swollen--they were already really bad since Josie was born in July, but I guess you don't lose fluid as well with a c/s.  I still looked 5 months pregnant for about a week.

Don't forget you won't be able to drive for a couple of weeks too--that was a big pain in the butt since Todd worked nights.   Even though he was home, he was still on his work sleeping schedule.

I agree with the fluid comment. I had elephant legs and feet for a good month and that was more of a pain then the actual incision.

manda429

my discharge nurse told me no lifting a toddler until my 6 week checkup

I gave myself 2 weeks and had my mom there to drive and lift Jake.  I was ready to start doing both after 7-10 days.  My mom is just not a good driver, I was quite white knuckled... 

That said, being ready to life and the wisdom of doing such lifting is up in the air.  I think you would be smart to have some alternatives (I.e, I had Jake climb into a chair next to the seat) to give yourself lots of time to heal and not take any unnecessary risks. 

eclaires

My restrictions were:

- no driving for 2 weeks

- no lifting anything heavier than the baby for 6 weeks

- no exercise for 6 weeks

With my first, those seemed reasonable and necessary, but my c/s recovery with Scarlett was even easier (I think b/c it was scheduled but I don't know) so I think I could have done things sooner.  I didn't because I didn't want to compromise my recovery, but I did feel much better after having her.  I felt normal w/in probably 2 days.

manda429

eclaires:

My restrictions were:

- no driving for 2 weeks

- no lifting anything heavier than the baby for 6 weeks

- no exercise for 6 weeks

With my first, those seemed reasonable and necessary, but my c/s recovery with Scarlett was even easier (I think b/c it was scheduled but I don't know) so I think I could have done things sooner.  I didn't because I didn't want to compromise my recovery, but I did feel much better after having her.  I felt normal w/in probably 2 days.

At first I thought, How did she do that??? but then I remembered Jackson is older.  He probably was a little more co-operative :-)

eclaires

ha, yes!  It is much easier with an almost 4YO vs. a younger toddler.  He can do most things by himself, plus we have step stools for him on both levels of the house.

It was a bit of an adjustment though - because I carried him around a ton even when I was 9m pregnant.  I tend to baby him, but he was able to understand that I had surgery and couldn't lift him which made a big difference I think (the fact that he actually got why I couldn't pick him up).

lemen99

Thanks ladies.  I'll talk it over with  my doctor too but wanted some kind of idea.  I'll take as much help as I can.  I think I can easily get 2 weeks from our parents + 1-2 weeks from Ryan.