After I give birth?

Elizabeth043086 · January 2013

I've thought just about everything I could think of thru regarding have 2 under 2, but my big question is about the physical aspect of caring for #1 after you give birth. Dh will be taking 6 weeks off work to help me and my mom is always a phone call away along with many other relatives, BUT really though it's going to be a while before I even get to pick him up, right? What is the weight limit they like to to not pick up and for how long? I just can't imagine being that hands-off in regards to caring for ds #1. DId you just ignore the rec. and do stuff normally. Just curious.

Tara*N*Chris · January 2013

My 2u2 is not here yet, but my sister just had her baby. She was picking up her 20 month old daughter 10 days after her csection. Not sure how long the doctor told her to wait, but knowing her she probably just ignored it.

SarahRae85 · January 2013

I had an emergency cesarean with my 2nd and was taking care of my 1 year old within days of returning home. I probably did overdo it at first (carried my 20-lber to bed my first night home, despite protests from SIL and DH, and hurt afterward), but I'd say within a week, you can do 95% of what you could before and with DH home to help out for 6 weeks, I'm sure you'll be fine.

I don't think there are any such restrictions after a vaginal birth, but it's been 4 years since mine, so I don't remember.

Anyway, I only had DH for a few days and SIL for about as long (and was happy to see her go, grateful for her help but hated being stuck with her all day long) and things went smoothly.

MrsEllis10 · January 2013

I didn't have a section, so I had weight limits, just not as strict, but I would just sit down and make dd come to me to pick her up. Like even bath time. The toilet is right next to the tub so I would just sit and lift. I was alone 2 days after getting home and it was completely fine.

mbgreenwalt · January 2013

I delivered both girls vaginally. I don't recall any restrictions besides them telling me to take it easy if my bleeding increases. DD2 was a way easier delivery compared to DD1 (20 min pushing vs. 3.5 hours). I felt great and was back to normal activity and lifting in a few days.

JulyMomma2U2 · January 2013

Elizabeth043086:
I've thought just about everything I could think of thru regarding have 2 under 2, but my big question is about the physical aspect of caring for #1 after you give birth. Dh will be taking 6 weeks off work to help me and my mom is always a phone call away along with many other relatives, BUT really though it's going to be a while before I even get to pick him up, right? What is the weight limit they like to to not pick up and for how long? I just can't imagine being that hands-off in regards to caring for ds #1. DId you just ignore the rec. and do stuff normally. Just curious.

this is my biggest concern, too!

kagl08 · January 2013

I delivered both kiddos vaginally and has an episiotomy both times. I was told not to lift anything more than the infant. Did I listen with my 2nd, no. I would have killed for my DH to be home or 6 weeks!! My DH was off for 7 days, but my DS spent 11 days in the NICU so I was on my own with both kids once my DS came home. I was lifting, driving, carrying both kids to pedi appts within 2 weeks. I felt really great after my 2nd and was back to normal very quickly. I'd say listen to your body, and use it as a guide.

etude de la vie · January 2013

I delivered DS at 2 am was home by 5pm that day. They told me nothing more than an infant but the nurse knew I had DD so she just said "don't do more than you have to"

dont carry the laundry basket up/down the stairs if someone else can. Obviously I had to pick up DD in/out of the car, high chair, crib but other stuff I waited for DH to do it or family....or it just didn't get done!

Mrs MoJoRisin · January 2013

Wow, DH will be home for 6 weeks! I'm so jealous!

mtm0109 · January 2013

I too, am very worried about this.

DS turned 1 almost a week ago. DD will make her debut on the 24th. Im very nervous. DS is very, very active and weighs 25+ pounds.

I wish my DH would be home for 6 weeks. And our parents live in other states.

NCMichelle · January 2013

I had to have my gull bladder out 4 days after we came home from the hospital with DS. I was on my own to take care of both kids 2 weeks later (DH had to go out of town and we have no family within an 8 hour drive). DD was 15 months old. You do what you have to do.

BeckyTheEngineer · January 2013

I don't think I was ever given a pound limit for lifting after my second was born. I took it easy and my husband did far more of caring for my oldest, but I would still pick her up too when I needed to.

memali26 · January 2013

I had vaginal delivery with both and was told nothing heavier than the baby in the car seat with my first, which was easy to follow. With my second they said nothing over 10lbs, which was impossible. DD1 was 19 months and about 21-22lbs and I was on my own with them when DD2 was 4 days old. I had no choice but to lift her into the crib or her booster seat at the table. I did notice days when I was lifting her a lot or doing a lot of activity the PP bleeding got heavier and that was my cue to take it easier, but otherwise I just did what I had to do.

Elizabeth043086 · January 2013

Well Thanks! It all sounds encouraging. Which I figured I'd be fine. And YES I'm VERY blessed to have dh home for 6 weeks.

shortstuff15 · January 2013

Yeah I've never heard of weight restrictions after a vaginal birth. The only time I didn't lift my daughter was when she came to visit in the hospital 7 hours after baby was born. Once we got home the next day it was lifting at normal.

ridesbuttons · January 2013

If you are anticipating a vaginal birth, I don't think you should expect any lifting restrictions. Your newborn is not weightless, right?

My DH took the day DS2 was born off. I was on my own during ML with a 8.5lb newborn and a 22ish lb 18 month old.

It'll be fine.

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