ELCS recovery. Bed-top table?

[weebigmamma]

Thinking of getting either one of those tray-table things or one on wheels that fits over the top of the bed. Even thinking of the height of the coffee table in our living room (very low) it might be good to have something taller. Is it worth it do you think? I haven't had a section before so don't know what to expect in terms of my mobility, but I don't want to spend money unnecessarily either.

[slightlyinsane]

I was planning on using the table with a changing mat on it. Right hight so little bending, all I need to spend money on is a changing mat.

[weebigmamma]

Which table do you mean?

[redspottydress]

Do you mean for you to eat off of? A c section is really not that bad, you recover quicker than you would think.

[slightlyinsane]

Ha ha sorry, kitchen or dinning room table. Both downstairs so no need for frequent trips up the stairs

[curiousgeorgie]

As another poster said, C Section recovery is not that bad. You won't need that.

Just change the baby on the dining table, but you'll be generally okay after a couple of days.

[weebigmamma]

OK, thanks. Maybe I'm overthinking things a bit (would be typical of me!). I am kind of envisaging being stuck in bed for ages but hopefully that won't be the reality!

[Beccadugs]

I had an EMCS three weeks ago. Was in hospital for 4/5 days after. By the time I got home I was much more mobile than I thought I would be.
All I would say is you do need somewhere to change the baby that doesn't involve bending down to the floor. You will also need a surface that you can reach easily from the sofa for when all your visitors slaves bring you cake and tea etc.

[Beccadugs]

Don't worry OP you won't be stuck in bed for ages. The first week is the worst, but after that if you are careful you can be up and about and on the sofa etc.

[weebigmamma]

I wasn't thinking about changing the baby really, more about myself (also typical! lol) and eating etc.

[DevonCiderPunk]

Tray table a very good idea.

When I realised DC2 was probably going to be another section I went straight out and bought:
-a second hand wing-back armchair with a high seat, the kind of thing you see in nursing homes - SO much easier to get in and out of, especially whilst holding a baby

• a sling to wear at home for all sorts of reasons, but especially so that I could hold onto the handrail when taking the baby up/down stairs
• a handy reacher/grabber which helped with everything from grabbing out of reach muslins! to pulling my pants up!

And finally make sure things you'll need during the first week are in top drawers of chests (to avoid bending/squatting) - or not on high shelves of cupboards/wardrobes (to avoid reaching.) You can work up to those things!

Good luck!

[weebigmamma]

ooooh thanks I hadn't thought of a grabber thing. you mean like one of those litter picker-upers? Good idea! I have a sling but must try to figure out how to use it haha!

[Nancery]

The first night after my section I spent wandering up and down the hospital corridors because the ward were so horrible. It may not be that bad!
I certainly don't remember anything being especially uncomfortable and actually came off the painkillers after a few days because I think they were making me do more than I should have been doing. By all means be organised and cautious but please don't think the recovery will be too bad because it may very well not be

[weebigmamma]

Thanks Nancery! It's always helpful to hear things like that. x

[anja1cam]

I too was up and walking to the bathroom/round the ward considerably less than 24 hrs after both my EMCS. They're keen to get you moving and it's a good thing! It's the lifting that you'll have to plan alternatives for...

[weebigmamma]

OK thanks. I have ordered a grabber thing and a tray with a bean-cushion under it. I wish I'd thought of the grabber ages ago- tried to pick up something from the floor the other day and made myself laugh out loud as I just couldn't do it!

[Peacenquiet2]

Im 11 days post elcs and doing great (first section after two natural deliveries). Id say im more or less back to normal, you will be fine without a table or grabber or any other special equipment. You are encouraged to get up same day and walk about (which will help with wind pain believe me) and keep mobile to stop yourself stiffening up.
The pain really isnt thst bad honest, dont waste your money on anthin you dont intend to keep using long term.

[noblegiraffe]

You won't be allowed to stay in bed, that risks DVT.

Do, however, invest in a bedside cot. The NCT hire their bednests out for 6 months for £100. After a C-section, the less climbing in and out of bed you have to do in the night, the better.

Make sure you ask to be shown how to get out of bed safely.

[nevergoogle]

sorry but you don't need any of those things. keep on top of your painkillers and keep mobile.

[weebigmamma]

Thanks all! I have the bedside cot from the last baby and I'll look up what a bednest is- sounds fascinating! I think the gripper is a great idea and I dearly wish I'd had one about a month ago. They're only a tenner so I'm definitely getting one of those.

[hubbahubster]

I was walking round Tesco with DS over my shoulder three days post-CS. You'll need peppermint tea to help with the wind but you don't need anything like a table top whatsit. If you have a DP and family/friends round, that's what they're for!

[CrispyFB]

I did the school run (5 minutes gentle walk) the afternoon after my c-section (not the same day I hasten to add!!) Like another poster, I came off the painkillers within a few days as I was worried I was overdoing it and they were masking the pain, but it seems not. Staying mobile is the most important thing for recovery, but within reason!

Some operations do require a lengthy recovery with the precautions you're thinking of, but a c-section, especially an ELCS, if all goes well as most do - is really not that bad at all! I've had three plus a similar style operation during one pregnancy to place a permanent stitch, so quite a bit of experience. I STILL don't get why midwives say six weeks before you can drive again - thankfully insurers are a bit more based in reality.

If you are feeling really rough more than a week or so out then something is wrong!

[Atbeckandcall]

I had an elective section and I would have happily been changing nappies on the floor 48 hours after. It's really not bad at all.
Good luck

[weebigmamma]

Thanks so much everyone. I am so used to hearing the risks from my hospital and the phrase 'major abdominal surgery'- I suppose I have convinced myself that it will be awful, but it is good to know the other side of things too! x

[noblegiraffe]

I had an EMCS and recovery was very hard, but my recovery from an ELCS was much easier. It is major abdominal surgery so it will be a tough recovery compared to an easy childbirth, but you're not bedridden, just tired, sore and need to avoid putting strain on your wound.

So no hoovering, putting washing in the machine, pushing a trolley around the supermarket. Lots of taking it easy and concentrating on the baby, while everyone else does the boring stuff :)

[weebigmamma]

Thanks noblegiraffe! Yes, I keep forgetting that the last pregnancy (which was a 'normal' birth) was no picnic to recover from. I was in hospital for a week overall and then on bed rest when I got home with the threat of being taken back in. I am hoping for a calmer experience at least, this time.