C-section and coping with toddler

[Bexie]

Hi I was wondering if there were any mums out there who had a c-section and also had a toddler. I am due a section in a few weeks and I'm really worried about how I'll cope with my DD who will be 22 months by then. She's a real mummy's girl and loves cuddling up to me, which is great, I'm just so worried about her accidently knocking my wound. I really don't want her to feel pushed out in any way and want to be able to offer her as many cuddles and reading time as I do now, without her feeling pushed away.

Any advice on how you coped would be really appreciated.

 

[rusks]

its gonna be hard hun im sure. has your OH or family got some time off to help you?

i can envisage a bit of clinginess with the new arrival and needing lots of love from mummy especailly, but i remember those first few weeks after a section they are so uncomfortable you'll have to be so careful.

sorry thats no use at all but i do sympathise get as much help as you can xx

 

[katie05]

Hi there, peoples csection experiences and recovery vary so much but if it any help ill tell you mine, which was very positive.
I had my planned section (4 months ago now) and i have a toddler too. (He was 2yrs 5 months at the time and fairly demanding)

After debating natural or section (after a bad emergency section 1st time) i went for the section. It was the best decsion i made as it was a wonderful experience, very calm and id actually love to do it all again! weird i know

I was in hosp for 3 days, 2 nights and missed my little boy but he and daddy spent most of the day with us in hosp too. I did also love the time on my own with my new little girl.

After the section i was fully 'with it' as this was something i had wondered about, i was a bit tired but visiting was limited so that was good! The next few days i was sore but it was totally bearable (with painkillers though). I was walking to the toliet the day after the section.

At home, i admit i perhaps did too much as it walking about etc (no housework though!). Though i never had any problems with my scar etc.
I involved my little boy by getting him to sit beside me for cuddles rather than lifting him. I was lifting him if needed by 2 weeks though but very carefully on my hip. I honestly felt pretty much back to myself by week 4/5. I was told that recovery is quicker after a planned section though.

just remember to Keep topping up your painkillers that they give you. (nurse told me that and it helped) I also had arnica tablets for healing.

Sorry for rambling on but i wanted to give you a positive side to a section as i thought i would not be able to care for my toddler and i could do much more than i anticipated.

I wouldnt hesitate to have another section in the future. Good luck hun.

 

[Bexie]

Thanks Katie for your feedback. I also had a section with my DD due the same reasons (breech). I think what I'm dreading most are the times where she holds her arms up to me for me to carry her and give her a cuddle and not being able to do so. (I know I can get down to her level for a cuddle though). I'm trying to think of positive solutions to all types of scenarios, I really just want to ensure that she won't feel excluded in anyway.