So, for example if you look at the NHS guidance you can see if clearly says it may take up to 6 weeks for you to be able to lift anything heavier than your baby. And you won’t be able to drive during this time.
The driving myth lives on.
There is no 6 week driving ban. Most insurers is when you feel well enough. Most driving friends I know who had sections were driving by 2-3 weeks.
The picking up thing: firstly, most 3yo dont need much picking up - they can climb into car seats themselves, climb onto chairs, mostly use beds not cots etc. If they fall over, you can crouch to comfort them, and thry can come to you for cuddles when sat down. The OP might have to avoid the park though, if they need lifting into a swing.
But even if they do need lifting, in reality surely most people do lift toddlers after their section? I was by 2w, and from other people I know, most are. If she can avoid it, best to of course!
Most dads are back to work at 2w though, and for second time mums thst have a section, coping with older children at that stage is an inevitably. Some dads will be working 12hr+ days 2w after their second, and its so hard for the mums, but its not considered undoable. If dad leaves at 7 and gets back at 8 or 9 (so long day and commute) they miss all meals, the daytime, bedtimes etc anyway. In reality, its not that different.
Not that I think he should be going for 4 days, or necessarily going at all (yes if best friend or immediate family only, and for 1 night), but I find some of the scaremongering (often by people that haven't had planned sections themselves) baffling.
Shes in a better position because of the section, not a worse. The baby will not be late, the recovery is more (albiet not fully) predictable.