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January 2012 Moms
kmchavez82
member
Truth about maternity leave - Do's/Dont's
kmchavez82
member
This goes out to the momma's that have already delivered. What's the truth about what happens on maternity leave? Recovery time (I realize csect/vag differs) but are there standards rules for driving? lifting? eating? s*x? I'm hearing how horrible it is with LO crying but is it really? I thougth it would be lovely to be with LO and being a mommie. Are yall going crazy at home yet? I'm at work but my mind is totally on having LO already so it's hard to focus!
Thanks!
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Re: Truth about maternity leave - Do's/Dont's
I haven't delivered yet, but here is what I was told by our birthing class instructor:
- You are going to have to drive, but try to avoid for as long as possible (have family members, friends, etc, help)
- Avoid any heavy lifting and exercise (including light exercise like yoga) until your blood flow slows down/regulates/gets really light (less than a regular period) although it is best to wait until you visit your doctor and get clearance
- Sex - have you ever heard the phrase "it's like throwing a hot dog down a hallway"?
- Sex Part 2 - when you are able to get busy again, lots of people will tell you that you can't get pregnant right away, especially if your BF. But I am willing to bet your doc has seen his/her fair share of follow-up appointments with positive pregnancy tests.
Here is what I remember from my first DS. The first 2 weeks you are in complete survival mode. Your brain is mush and it is a struggle to remember to eat, shower, brush your teeth etc. It feels like an eternity when you're going through it, but once the first 2 weeks are over you'll wonder how it went by so fast. I delivered vaginally and walked around like I had just ridden a horse for about 2 weeks. After 2 weeks I felt fairly back to normal. As far as lifting things, i don't remember if there was an exact guideline but just listen to your body. It will let you know when you're over-exerting yourself. The doctor said to wait 6 weeks for sex but I felt more than up to it and did it at 5 weeks.
The crying I honestly don't remember being that bad. DS went through a couple growth spurts while I was home on maternity leave and I remember those being really rough. He would cry all day and always wanted to be held. As far as going crazy being at home, I'd imagine this will vary by person. Some people really enjoy being a SAHM. I actually really looked forward to going back to work and was more than ready at 9 weeks when my maternity leave was over.
With my DS, here's what sticks in my brain. You will be amazed at how much you can do with like negative amounts of sleep. Do not try and do everything! nap when your LO naps and life will get more bearable! Find a set up/routine for your peri bottle/ dermaplast/ pads in the bathroom it will make life easier.
Take time to have a few minutes to yourself. Even if its when your S/O gets home to have a nice long shower in peace.
As for non stop crying? well, there are growth spurts that are hard, but its usually only for a few days. Colic on the other hand we luckily avoided, so i wouldnt know.
Otherwise, listen to your body, dont try and push to do too much. I personally waited the 6 weeks before attempting anything at all with DH. But really, we were both wayy too tired.
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{whispering} It was a joke.
I know it was a joke, but don't want some poor soul thinking that the only reason to hold off on sex is because one's elasticity has not returned....
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Yall crack me up! I'd be the goofy gal thinking about elasticity. I feel so clueless with all this! Thanks for the info and making me
Kc
I delivered via c-section.
- I was told no driving for 2 weeks
- No lifting anything over 10 lbs. for 2 weeks
- As far as eating, I had no restrictions but I often find that I forget to eat.
- I am super lucky that I have an easy baby. He only cries when he is hungry.
- The hardest part for me is making time for everything. MH works in the afternoons/evenings so it is soley up to me to get my DD to and from school everyday. Combine her after school activities (dance, swim) with homework, dinner, play time, baths and bed I feel very overwhelmed with the baby. I am starting to figure out our routine but this is definitely the hardest part.
- As for the c-section, I felt pretty much back to normal after 2 weeks. I still have some incision pain but it is pretty much gone.
DD 1/3/2012
BFP 5/21/2013 MC 5/24/2013
BFP 7/16/2013 EDD 3/27/2014
I had my baby a week ago. I wasn't told of any driving or lifting restrictions. I pick up DD1 who weighs 28lbs all the time.
We don't have any crying here at all other then at diaper change time.
The second night was bad before my milk came in and my baby wanted to suck all night. Now he eats every 3 to 4 hours so I feed him around midnight, then sleep till 3-3:30 then back to sleep by 4 and sleep till 8. I feel fine.
I had my little guy 12 days ago tomorrow and can say it has been rough but you will survive.
I had a vaginal delivery, but a nasty episiotomy that didn't heal the way it was supposed to. Very painful, started to feel better about 3 days ago. I'm still sore when standing, but its getting better.
Sleep when you can, in my case its rare and so far the longest stretch I've gotten since he was born is 2 hours. I'm hoping this improves soon...
I wasn't given any weight restrictions, just went with what was comfortable. Lifted LO in his car seat for the first time today and it was ok, but I wouldn't make it far.
No eating restrictions, but it is REALLY nice not to have heartburn anymore. Bfing makes you incredibly thirsty. Have water beside you allllll the time if you are going this route.
Haven't driven yet, but probably could if I needed to at this point. (Its snowy here, and the idea of driving with such precious cargo makes me nervous as all get out, on top of being uncomfortable.)