To think I'll manage having a toddler and a c section

[mintich]

Due on 4 weeks and making decisions about my birth plan.
I had a horrific birth last time and so have been set on a c section. There is a part of me that is thinking that if I had a vaginal birth (with no problems) then I would be able to cope better after the birth. Obviously no one can promise that I'd have no problems, and if the same thing happened again, I'd be so upset.
What would you do in my situation?
If you have a toddler, how did you cope after and elective c section?

Had a 2.5 old when I had my unplanned section. Was absolutely fine. Has help from parents once DH back at work so that did help. Biggest challenge was getting DD to nursery as I couldn't drive with DH back at work, but my parents came to stay during that time. So I would make sure you have help around.

I would also tell you to make sure you are taking it easy and nap as much as you can. Recovery is relatively speedy- as long as you allow yourself to recover, and that can be hard with a toddler!

5 kids, 5 sections, coped perfectly fine.

2 weeks after my 2nd emergency section I was pushing dc2 on the 3 mile round trip to collect dc1 from preschool. No issues whatsoever. I admit I had a really easy recovery (the only medication I needed afterwards was cough medicine for my pre-existing chest infection) but I had zero help once dh returned to work and managed fine.

I did simple things like making sure I had snacks/drinks for me and dc1 in our sitting room (up a flight of stairs from the kitchen) and that the changing area was well stocked including changes of outfits before dh went to work. I batch cooked before I got too pregnant so I or dh could just pull some protein plus sauce out of the freezer and stick some rice/pasta/chips on. I also planned activities for dc1 in advance, such as jigsaws, some art activities and got him some new playmobil sets and made sure they were all easily accessible before dh left in the morning. I definitely didn't need the level of planning I did but it made things easier.

Toddler is 16 months. My partner is having two weeks off but he can have longer if needed. Glad to hear most of you have coped!

If you can afford it hire a nanny for a month or 2! You get to properly rest and recover (and sleep in the day!), your toddler gets time and attention all to himself, you have another pair of hands around the house (if you ask nicely and pay well most nannies would be happy to put the hoover round/pop a clothes wash on and cook the dinner) and if necessary a qualified/experienced nanny can be hands on with the new arrival too.

I had 16 months between mine too, both emergency sections. I recovered much quicker after my second though as I didn't labour for 24 hours before as I did with my first! My husband took three weeks off and my mum mum helped as much as she could too. My toddler used to climb up the sofa to sit by me so I just guided her up rather than lifted her. My house has steps up to the road and steps down to our parking space so that was a massive PITA. You cope when you have to though.

I'm due to have a c section but wanted to know best postpartum belt for after as there is so much choice
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Had my newborn by elective c section 3 weeks ago, also have a three year old. Have coped perfectly fine. Newborn was in the NICU for the first week of his life and I was up and about 6 hours after my section and walking down to the NICU on my own the next day without a wheelchair. Everyone is different of course, but if your surgery is fairly straight forward then there's no reason you won't cope. Just don't try to do too much too soon. My toddler was an emergency section and I really halted my recovery by trying to be superwoman and doing everything.

At my second section I had a three year old newborn. Third section I had a five year old and a 17 month old. You do manage, you don’t really any option not to.

Just take it easy and don’t plan too much in those first few weeks. Enjoy time at home with them both and don’t be afraid to use the tv. A little bit doesn’t harm them.

@dkiskimm good point! Did anyone use a recovery belt?