Using a baby carrier/sling post cs?

[AmIGoingMad]

I bought a Moby wrap and a baby hawk before the birth of dc2 as I thought that using a carrier would be helpful with dc1 to run around after too.

I ended up having a late decision elcs. In some ways that makes me think the baby carriers will be more useful as I can't drive or get the pram down steps to pavement. It might make it easier to get the bus/ go for a walk etc.

But... can I wear it after the c section? Is there a specific amount if time I should wait or does it depend on the individual? If it does then what will tell me that my body's ready for it so that I don't overdo it?

Sorry for the essay- I'm baffling myself!

[Pineapple80]

I had an EMCS 3.5 wks ago and haven't tried using my baby carrier yet. I think I may wait for another 3 wks or so. I seem to be healing well but the internal scar is still sore to touch and don't want to hinder my recovery in any way.

Maybe you can have your OH or someone else carry baby or push the pram for the meantime while u recover?

Congrats too

[Mutley77]

I would be fine with mine now (four weeks on) and I did wear it for a little while a couple of weeks ago. I don't love carriers as I find it easier to have somewhere clean and safe to put baby down when out and about but if you are happy wearing it I would try it for a short time, see how you feel, then a bit longer next time if it's ok.

[AmIGoingMad]

Thanks! Yes I think I'm probably best off waiting for a little while but it might be a good way to get started. That or hoping that I can get someone to take a day off here and there to help me out. It's just a little awkward as DH has to go bk to work after 2 wks paternity leave and my parents are both still working. My in laws are amazing though but I don't like to ask them for too much as don't want to be thought of as taking advantage of them.

[Mutley77]

Typed a really long post and then lost it somehow!

Anyway I agree it is really hard after a C/S with another child when you don't have full time support at home. We had to have my SIL to stay (1 week) then my parents (2 weeks) then DH took a week off. Simply because I needed someone to drive my kids to school and DH couldn't take all that time off. Having house guests at the newborn stage is far from ideal but worked ok as it was totally and utterly unavoidable - having just emigrated our support network here is pretty much non-existent. While people we have met locally have surprised me by being very kind to us it was certainly not something I could have relied on.

I have been signed off my GP as fit to drive today (four weeks post op). She said to me that a C.S is the only major op you would ever have where you basically are expected to just get on with it afterwards and it is bloody hard. She has had 2 herself!

[Mutley77]

Sorry - linked to that last point I was going to say please ask your in-laws for help. If they are offering help and amazing it is the one time in your life where you are totally justified in asking and receiving help - this comes from someone who hates asking for help!

[Pineapple80]

I agree Mutley! I also felt bad asking my in laws to help but simple things like asking them to bring a couple loaves of bread when they came over next has been such a great help! They have also been so kind to cool dinner in the first few wks and bring it over for us. Been so, so helpful!

[crazyhead]

I used a Moby after a month post EMCS with my first. I found the more structured Bjorn ones a bit easier to begin with though. Will have second section in Oct, so we'll see how it goes this time!

My sister (post two sections) took to the Moby straight away and her daughters lived in it, she never used anything else.

Good luck.

[Nicknamegrief]

I used my moby a week after my fourth (ELCS) for the school runs.

No problem.

Midwife said it was better than pushing heavy buggy and helped keep my back straight.

Used it post CS for number 3 as well- but had more support so didn't do school runs so early on.

[DIYandEatCake]

I found using a carrier fine after dd was born by elcs. A newborn in a carrier should be much higher up than the scar and they don't weigh much, you should be fine.

[carlyvita]

Stretchy wrap sling I actually found quite supportive of scar area, prob used from about week two or three. Was great. All the best.