Recovery after C section

[Jessiecat]

Crazy that I'm asking this as I had one 6 years ago with my first baby but I remember it was a pleasant experience but I spent a few days afterwards as high as a kite so don't really remember.
So can you tell me how long after could you walk around, lift baby up yourself, make a dinner etc just normal stuff that you can't do straight away after major surgery, when will I feel normal again?

I saw the midwife today who dashed all hoped of a natural birth so I'm trying to prepare and get my head round the fact that this is how it's got to be.
Any advice welcome x

 

[Durhamchance]

I had blake at 10.11am on the Monday by emergency section and asked to be discharged on the Tuesday.

I didn't move from the bed at all on the Monday.

On the Tuesday they removed the catheta in the morning and I made myself get up, shower and change Blake. I was able to walk to the car and was able to get upstairs once home.

I was shopping in Asda on the Friday.

But- I wish I had taken things slower, I got an infection in my scar and wasn't sucessful with breastfeeding. If I end up with a section this time I will try and stay in hospital for two nights and not try to be superwoman.

 

[littlemonkey]

I'm similar to Durhamchance in that I tried to do too much too soon after mine. I was in hospital for five days after mine cos my son was on antibiotics which helped in someways to get some rest. In others it was just annoying having every one in and out all the time and I felt I would have been more comfortable at home. I could do stuff by the time I got home, but it was uncomfortable and I did need to stop and rest a lot.

It took me weeks until I felt like me again, but then like I said I tried to be super woman and bounce back. This time I'm making arrangements for people to come and help me out until LO is about two months old so I can get some rest! My eldest is going to the childminder full time after the baby comes too so I can sleep in the day too.

 

[MrsG81]

My recovery went pretty well I think. I had my section at 16.09 and I'd had my catheter removed and walked to the shower by 10pm (wanted to get in shower with hubby there to help if needed, before they sent him home).

I could lift baby on my own straight away, although avoided lifting my then toddler for a fair few weeks. I was in hospital two days and once home was ok walking around the house, sitting, standing, bending etc but I avoided cleaning and vaccing and lifting anything heavier than baby for around 2 weeks.

Within a week I was going to local shops but nothing more than maybe 10 minutes walking in total and only like a loaf of bread to carry back.

When I say I was ok moving around the house, it was uncomfortable and took effort, but was do-able. I rested whenever I could and had hubby / toddler pass me things I needed.

 

[Jessiecat]

Thanks ladies this is all rreally helpful to try and mentally prepare for this again, it feels like such a long time ago. I feel like I bounced back quickly before but that could be clouded by the excitement of having baby to look after.

 

[littlemonkey]

Thanks ladies this is all rreally helpful to try and mentally prepare for this again, it feels like such a long time ago. I feel like I bounced back quickly before but that could be clouded by the excitement of having baby to look after.

I'm the same Jessiecat, I've kinda forgotten what it was like and my son is only two!

Like I said I'm planning for the worst with lots of help and will make sure I'm topped up on pain killers too!!

 

[JJ Mum]

Yeah morning delivery, they normally expect you up by evening and evening delivery up by morning. Lifting baby is fine imed but like someone else said i would avoid toddlers for a bit. Back carrying them downstairs works really well if they can crawl and walk up by themselves with you behind!

I came home quickly but everything at home is too low or high!
I slept on sofa for a few days as found moving across our double bed for baby sore fir some reason, considering it was my 5 th section! Cooking fine just avoid long stands for gravity! Walking to school runs etc fine but i over strude so have to remember to walk with small legged lady legs! Ha

If you don't overdo it yourll feel a new woman in 2 weeks x

 

[Sm1lerno1]

I'll tell you but my only section was with my first nearly 16years ago lol

I remember 2hrs after my daughter was born I had the physios down and they had me doing sit ups! I was flabbergasted.

I was back in my clothes the same day. I asked for my morpheme drip to be removed as I didn't need it.

I had no probs with my scar or recovery.

I drove within a week (I know I know!!!)

All in all, not a problem for me at all. However, if I was told I had to have a section now, I'd be in some state. Especially having a large family, a working partner, really young kiddies, and kids at school. I wouldn't get the rest I did and would need to constantly be on the go. Obviously I'm a good bit older now too.

Maybe just try arrange help for when you are out of hospital. Allowing you time to recover, rather than rushing it.