How long after CS could you lift other DCs?

[Possumagic]

I'm due to have a cs-type operation in a couple of weeks and wonder what recovery times other people have experienced? Was it the full six weeks they advise? When were you able to lift other DCs? How long before you could drive?

My DD is 11 months and I'm working out ways to get around lifting her - change mat on the floor etc - but not sure about her cot. How do you get around that?

DH taking time off work for first week or so, but after that will only have limited help as no family nearby.

So I'd be interested to know what others have experienced. Thanks.

[janinlondon]

Not sure who recommends six weeks? I drove within a week. Vaccuumed the house the day I came home (day 3). Not that I would think you'll need to do that if you have DH home

[canmummy]

i've just had a c-section-type op (they went through the same scar)4 weeks ago and because it was unplanned I had help from dh for just 10 days.

My youngest is 8 months and I had to be lifting her when dh went back to work. I was driving after 3 weeks just can't open/close the boot. Still done no hoovering

Best advice is don't do too much! Rest when you can. Get dh to lift your lo out of the cot during the night if necessary.

[Possumagic]

Thanks janinlondon. That gives me hope!

Saw nurse for pre-op assessment today and she advised no lifting heavy objects/driving etc for six weeks. I know it depends on the individual, but I wondered if, in reality, people are able to do things sooner than six weeks.

[TheMadHouse]

My DS was 15 months old when I had second, I was lifting DS after 2 weeks. I actually found the high chair harder than the cot. In the end we borrowed one that was on the floor with a little table thing.

[Possumagic]

Thanks canmummy. That's good to know. I'll be making the most of DH while I can.

Feeling less stessed about it now.

[canmummy]

Also get a really light buggy to push if you've got a heavy pram!

[Possumagic]

Thanks for the tips

[eleusis]

I drove 2-3 weeks post CS. And lifted two year old... erm... don't tell, but probably withing a week.

I'm not sure what a "cs-type operation" is but if it's just like the recovery of c-section I would recommend trying to get someone to come in for the second week. Especially for bath time and other times when lifting is inevitable.

I always laughed at the midwives when they said, now don't lift anything for six week. Oh okay, you're coming home with me to be my nanny then? If my toddler runs for the street I AM going to run after her.