Tips on recovering from a c section.....with a 16 month old to look after!

[stilldazed]

I have a c section booked for Wednesday and I am getting more and more worried about the recovery.

My DD is 16mths oldShe is gorgeous and sleeps though the night but obviously needs a lot of attention during the day.

I am worried about how I am going to take her to the park,change her nappy,generally play/look after her IN the first few weeks.

My mum is here for the first week after that i am pretty much on my own.Although DH is great and always does bath and bed time he can't take any time of work and doesn't get home til about 6.30.

Advice please....will I be ok????

Aww you poor thing, sounds like your getting really nervous. You will be absolutely fine though, try not to worry!

Are there any local nannies/mothers helps in your area? kxx

How good is your DD with her motor skills? Can she get on and off a toddler chair?

My DD was 22mo when I had my c-section so a fair bit older. We moved her into a bed before the baby arrived and got a toddler table and chair so I didn't have to lift her in and out of the booster seat for meals.

Also got her in the habit of climbing up onto the sofa for cuddles rather than being picked up.

It was fine, it really was. If your DD is pretty mobile you should be ok. Can she climb the stairs? I just used to walk behind DD on the stairs while she climbed them.

And if she can't do those things don't worry - just make sure you have everything you need downstairs and drop your standards and let her eat on the sofa, which is what I did when I was feeling lazy sore.

Second what Riven said about being fine after 2 weeks.

Thanks for the quick replies! I very rarely post but you've all made me feel much better

...so it's going to be the first 2 weeks that will be hardest? I might see if I can get a friend to take her to the park in the mornings (in week 2 when my mum goes) should tire her out, and make me feel less guilty about not playing with her so much!

What about picking her up? she gets on and off the sofa ok and can do the stairs (but with me close behind!) but she does still want me to carry her at times....I'm worried this may increase with the arrival of a new baby!

thanks again.

DS was 15 months when I had DD (ELCS). Make sure you have nappy change supplies for both of them downstairs. Get the shopping delivered and get back driving as soon as you are ready. If you have to pick her up squat and keep back straight while you lift with your legs. Let her climb on the sofa for a cuddle with you (CBEEBIES is a lifesaver!)

You'll just need to change your DD's routine a bit and take things very easy. Now is the time to crack open the biccies, DVDs/CBeebies, new toys etc .

Rope in any help you can get. Friends popping in, paid help if you can afford it. Can your mum stay an extra week? Friend taking her to the park in the mornings is a great idea.

Agree re: online shopping for absolutely everything. Nappy stuff and drinks/snacks for you in every room and within easy reach. Readymeals or takeaways.

Avoiding lifting her up is going to the hardest thing, I reckon. But you must try not to. If you sit in a comfy chair with a pillow across your scar, she can sit on your knee for cuddles.