How to prepare my 3yo DD for ELCS and aftermath?

[Beachmum85]

Just that really...

How did/do you prepare your DC for the new arrival/ mummy's hospital stay and recovery?

Just found out my baby is breech and have a CS booked for tomo...

A lot to get my head around all of a sudden!

[Sparrowlegs248]

Oh blimey that's a bit sudden!

I'm interested to see the replies as am having my vbac v's elcs appointment next week. Ds will only be 18 months old which is putting me off c section as I won't be able to carry, put in carpet seat, help up/down our incredibly steep stairs etc.

I had ds by elcs due to breech and it was actually really great, although he was breech from about 30 weeks and showed no signs of turning, so it was something I was well prepared for.

I was in for two nights, they asked me if I had small children at home before discharging me. I didn't. They'd have wanted me to stay in another night if I had.

I am attempting to prep ds by having him stay over at GPs a few times (he never has yet) stopped night feeds (was bf overnight)people keep telling me I'll have to plink him in front of the TV but he couldn't show less interest.

[IlPorcupinoNilSodomyEst]

A friend looked after my DS when I had an elective CS, had his first trip to McDonalds and lots of playing all day. DH picked him up once we were done, about 7.30 then they both came to see me and new baby sister next day. I had ordered a 'present from new sister' a couple of weeks before so he was thrilled! Wasn't any problem, DH was on pat leave for two weeks and by then I was well enough and DS was big enough (3.5yo) to help out, so no problems. Good luck!

[Beachmum85]

Thanks both!

Yes, all very sudden and as a result I've been awake since 1am . I'm hoping they don't keep me in too long as the appeal of playing with grandparents all day (& night) is deffo going to grow thin with my LO and she's going to want (poor laid up old) mummy!

Such a lot to get your head around after months of hypnobirthing prep etc... just hope baby doesn't turn, again!

[Honeybee79]

I had an ELCS yesterday! DS is 6 and has been v anxious. Have explained the role of midwives and docs, how everyone is well look after, but that it's a bit unpredictable - eg he can come and visit asap but we won't know when mummy will be home and when she is she will be v tired and slow . . . So please be patient with poor slow mummy! It won't last for ever etc and you can be a good helper. He loves feeling useful.

Hopefully getting home today.

[Xmasbaby11]

Dd1 was 2 when I had dd2 by elcs. My parents stayed for a few days over the birth to help out. And dd1 was in nursery full time for 6 weeks while I recovered.

It worked fine and c section was sooo much better than vaginal birth! Good luck!