How long after 2nd c-section - BTDTs, please help

I am having my second scheduled c/s on Tuesday. My DS is 18 months. I will have very little help once I get home. Were you ok lifting and carrying your toddler soon after the surgery? How did you manage if you had no help? I'm extremely nervous about this as he is very active and we live in a 4-story colonial. Any tips or stories to share?

Thanks!

Re: How long after 2nd c-section - BTDTs, please help

Hello and Congrats!!! I had a similiar situation. I had a VERY active 2 yr old and was having a second c-section.
First I have to say all women are different but I can fully say that my second section was wayyyyy easier in terms of recovery and nothing like my first!!! I was walking the same night and kept walking in the hospital. I tried to take less painkillers and more ibprofin so I would be less dependant and more alert.
Keep walking in the hospital as it really helps.
What hospital are you having your baby at? (if you dont mind you can messege me as the surgeon I had is known for her super fast recovery times -but not good bedside manner)
Dont worry, it is definitly much easier and quicker!) also I had to get a new incision!

Re: How long after 2nd c-section - BTDTs, please help

My DH was only home with me for 2 days. I was pretty much doing everything as soon as I got home including lifting my 30 lb 2.5 year old right away. I did try to limit it though and I weaned her off me holding her during the pregnancy so it wasn't that bad.

My doctor told me there are really no rules to what I should or shouldn't do. She said to go by how I felt.

I think the anticipation was worse than the reality.

Re: How long after 2nd c-section - BTDTs, please help

Well my OB said no lifting DD who was 23 months and 25 lbs for a few weeks. My OB said a lot of the OBs are too lenient with their instructions b.c they know moms will go home and do the things anyway - and that is why many people open their internal or external stitches - but if I wanted a good recovery I should hold off as long as I could. I had help for 4 weeks - during that time - I followed their advice - after that once I didn't have help it was too bad. My recovery for #2 was much easier than for #1. B.c you feel better sooner people forget and push themselves too much sometimes. If you don't have help just try to lift as little as you can but you can't drive yourself crazy if you don't have help you don't.

Re: How long after 2nd c-section - BTDTs, please help

I have a very active 2.5 year old and had my DS last Tuesday. DH has stayed home the first week I have been out of the hospital and my mom has also come over. My doctor told me no heavy lifting for at least two weeks. (My DD is 30lbs) It is hard not to be able to pick her up and sometimes I forget because it is so natural.

Re: How long after 2nd c-section - BTDTs, please help

Just had my 2nd section last week. DS is 23 mths.
This was a harder recovery and I kept asking my Dr. why. He said that every recovery is different and it all depends how much scar tissue was formed and what they have to cut through. With my first I took no pain meds other then motrin. And I definitely had to this time.

I really haven't picked up DS, DH is home but a week later I am still a bit sore. My back and rib cage were sore because I vomited so much the first day and I was trying so hard to not move when doing it. Not an easy task.

I am glad it is over. I am finally feeling myself today.

Re: How long after 2nd c-section - BTDTs, please help

secnd section was sooooo much better/easier recovery wise!!! I can't tell you about your toddler, my ds is 20 months adn I have not lifted him yet, I'm scared to have any incision problems. once I'm 4 weeks PP I will be on my own.

he can climb into his highchair on his own, but I worry about putting him in his crib, he is almost 30 lbs.

Re: How long after 2nd c-section - BTDTs, please help

I had a repeat c-section on march 28th and the recovery was soooo much better this time around.

I did lift DD a few times (24 pounds) but my OB told me to limit it. I didn't do much work around the house, and tried to limit the stairs. But again, recovery was so much faster this time around.

I agree with the PP, the anticipation was much worse then the reality.

good luck