Clearance from docs?

GalLaura

How long did your doctor tell you that you had to wait to get back to normal activities like cleaning, exercising etc? When was your first doc appt after c section?

I ask because my first appointment will be 6 weeks after the birth if the baby. I was also told not to clean, do laundry, etc until the check me. I'm living in a different country and wondering what people in the USA are doing. Im desperate to resume some normal activity! Thanks.

Mama-Bear

6w is pretty standard.  Generally they tell you that you can lift the baby in the car seat so I just tried to not lift more than that.  I would have DH bring the dirty laundry to the laundry room (from our 2nd floor to our main floor) and I'd wash/dry/fold and then have him carry it back up.

jefk

At my incision check at 2 weeks, my OB said I could go for walks, do light housework, and drive.  She said to lay off any heavy exercise (going to the gym, running), heavy lifting, and sex until 6 weeks.  I take it day by day - I'm 4 weeks PP and I'm more or less back to normal, aside from some lingering abdominal soreness.  I try to get out of the house every couple days, whether its a run to Starbucks, a walk around the block, or just a drive around the neighborhood.  

mysticl

I had a one week and a 6 week appointment.  I wasn't to lift anything heavier than the baby till 6 weeks.  I was allowed to drive between 4 and 6 weeks (at my one week appt. she told me what I needed to be able to do to drive), I drove at 4 weeks.  Exercise was as tolerated but no straining the abs till 10 weeks.  Cleaning was as tolerated.  

jutimala

I actually had my first appt. post c/s about 2 weeks after to see how I was healing and to talk about birth control. At that appointment she usually assessed how I was and would give me a recommendation from there. I liked doing it that way verses waiting 6 weeks. I would still have an appointment at 6 weeks too. 

I think, especially with kids, 6 weeks is pretty unrealistic to not be able to do a lot of the things to take care of your family. I do take it easy but I do just about everything I need to, especially since J is gone nearly 60 hours a week. 

hugmonkey

I was told 6 weeks, but i did all my normal activities--cooking, cleaning, etc as soon as I was home from the hospital without any issue.