C-sections moms with other kids...

KSimone619

How long until you could take care of your older child on your own?  DD will be 2yrs. 9 mos. when LO comes along... I have help for the first week for sure, and DH can work from home, but I hate to be dependent on people to drive her to school, cook for her, get her dressed, even put her down for a nap.  What can I expect to be able to do with each week of recovery? (i.e. week 1 accomplishments, week 2 accomplishments, etc.)

kcisthebombdotcom

I had some issues after delivery which extended my recovery, so take this with a grain of salt.

3 weeks PP-DH went back to work and I managed both kids alone. I limited lifting my toddler for the first week so I fed him lunch in the living room vs the highchair, let him nap on the couch instead of his bed, etc.

4 weeks PP-Life was back to nornal.

You will be able to cook when you get home from the hospital. Driving should wait until 2 weeks PP. With a 2 1/2 year old, I'm sure you'd be able to dress her in the first week since I'm sure she's somewhat helpful.

KSimone619

KC_13:

I had some issues after delivery which extended my recovery, so take this with a grain of salt.

3 weeks PP-DH went back to work and I managed both kids alone. I limited lifting my toddler for the first week so I fed him lunch in the living room vs the highchair, let him nap on the couch instead of his bed, etc.

4 weeks PP-Life was back to nornal.

You will be able to cook when you get home from the hospital. Driving should wait until 2 weeks PP. With a 2 1/2 year old, I'm sure you'd be able to dress her in the first week since I'm sure she's somewhat helpful.

Thank you for your input, I really appreciate it!

 

carrov3

I just had a c-section 2 weeks ago and I have a 3 and 5 year old. Recovery has been hard, but you can do it. Not being able to drive is the hardest for me. Week 1 I couldn't do much of anything...the pain meds kept me very sleepy. At the end of week 2 I can move around pretty good, but I can't lift much of anything or bend down.

With my three year old, the hardest thing is helping her go to the bathroom because of the bending. I suggest keeping some of her things close by so you won't have to move around too much.

rosesandpeonies

Couldn't pick her up for a couple of days and I probably should have waited a little longer...I let my husband do baths for a week, but pretty much right away I was doing everything else.  

Week one I did everything except lifting her.

Week two I did everything....

 

EveryNameIWantIsTaken

DH goes back to work tomorrow.  I'll still have help through Christmas from my mom, but if I had to I could do it myself and ds is the same age your daughter will be when your new baby is here.  With the exception of heavy lifting, including ds, I can do what I need to so I could make it through the day.  The two problem areas are naptime because ds doesn't always willingly go to his bed, and getting him in his car seat. 

Beckypooh09

The first week my mom came over to watch DS1 and the 2nd week she took him home with her to give me more time to heal. After 2 weeks I was on my own and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. GL!

MrsT624

I have probably done too much in the last 2 days, but I didn't really have much of a choice since DH was at work and my mom left.  I'm in more pain than I have been, so I'm trying to take it easier, especially with lifting DD.  I didn't do any lifting, etc. the first week, just this second week.  I also started driving again after a week and 2 days.

jnealet

I was feeling fine pretty soon after I git home from the hospital but I held off picking up DD1 for 2 weeks post surgery. MIL was here for the first 10 days and then DD went back to daycare so I didn't have to worry about naps. DH also did baths and most of the cooking. 

KSimone619

jnealet:

I was feeling fine pretty soon after I git home from the hospital but I held off picking up DD1 for 2 weeks post surgery. MIL was here for the first 10 days and then DD went back to daycare so I didn't have to worry about naps. DH also did baths and most of the cooking. 

Thank you everyone for your input.. I'm so glad to hear it's doable  Enjoy your babies!