How long to function normally after elcs?

[AmIGoingMad]

Hi!

I'm 18 days post section and as I had no advise other than 'don't drive for 6 weeks and take it easy' i wondered if you could give me some?

I have a DS who is 2.6 ( and the size of a 3-4 yr old) already. I was told not to lift him and not to get into the floor to pick things up. This made nappy change time out of bounds at the beginning but as DH is going bk to work now, will I really do myself a mischief if I attempt this now? I have other family suppose but would prefer to do this myself if I can.

I wouldn't be lifting ds until around 6w, but would easily get on floor to change nappy etc. Even with reluctant toddler it would be ok.

Bath time maybe a low step to get in and out will save lifting him, ikea have 2 heights.

What about bedtime/naps, can he get in himself? If not, will he settle in your bed and dh can move him later (thinking of alternatives)

Good idea with the bath- we do have a step ladder in there at the moment for me getting in and out of bath- it's really high! We've also just worked out for him to climb into table ( its in rm which I only accessible if we open the safety gate so its not something he can do without us knowing) so that I don't have to bend too much.

I'm feeling lots better already but still getting little twinges and pulling pains so I'm scared of doing too much too soon. But I want to just get on with things too! It's hard to know!

Housework wise - what did you do and when ? I mean how long after the section did you start to Hoover, clean bath, empty dishwasher etc?

by then I was lifting my eldest, a tiny 21 mo but just the minimum eg into cot or high chair. no vacuum but did sweep and mop kitchen.

No housework, LOL - but I scarcely need an excuse to stop doing that!

Hmmm I'm the same but am started to get frustrated at having to ask DH to do everything!

I think this is a very personal thing. My best friend had a caesarian 11 weeks ago. Within a week she was totally back to normal. I do wonder if Shes superwoman though!

My sister had a caesarian 5 weeks ago & isn't anywhere near normal.

It depends on so many factors. Rest, gentle exercise, take all help & you will be back to normal before you know it.

Thanks! I suppose its just difficult as you don't want to overdo things and set recovery back, but you don't know what you can do unless you try! Bit of a catch 22!