Talk to me about recovering from c-sec while looking after newborn and toddler!

[Featherbag]

I'm due DS2 on 5th December, DS1 will be 2 and he's a chunky monkey, already 17.5kg at 22mo! He was prem and for the same reasons DS2 will also be early, although hopefully not quite as early. DS1 was supposed to be born by section for medical reasons, for various reasons I ended up having a vaginal birth and, through pure luck, managed to avoid the complications that led to section being advised.

I'd been hoping to have a VB with DS2, but having discussed things with MW, DH and my consultant, I'm making my peace with planning for a section. My main worry though is looking after both DCs in the period after DH goes back to work (2 weeks paternity leave only). I've had major abdominal surgery before although it was much more disruptive than a section, but having had that experience I'm worried about, well,everything! Can anyone tell me about their experiences of cs with DC2? Good and bad, I'd like to be prepared and try and arrange as much help as I'll need! Thanks in advance!

As long as you look after yourself (stay in bed!) for the 2 weeks DH is at home you'll most likely feel fine by the time he goes back to work.

You won't be able to drive. And lifting DS1 is probably a bad idea until at least week 4, but you'll be fine moving around and carrying DS2. Assuming DS1 can walk, climb the stairs, get up in to a chair etc!

I had 2nd EmCS 12 weeks ago and also have a 2yr old. It was much easier than I'd imagined!!

I took it easy obviously but I was up and about from the moment I left hospital, pottering around the house.

The first week was the first but after that it was plain sailing. I was driving again after 3weeks.

I appreciate everyone is different and maybe I just got lucky but it really was a lot better than I'd expected.

Good luck OP

*first week was the worst! Not first! Duh!

My first EMCS was fine, up and about very quickly. But with the 2nd I pushed myself too far and got an infection. That really was hideous. I was I tears stuck on the settee unable to get up. I was really worried I wouldn't be able to feed DS it was that painful to move.

That's why I say make sure you look after yourself. Even if you feel fine, if you milk it a bit with DH and stay in bed it will stop you doing too much.

Thanks - I know it's doable, but it helps to hear others have managed!

I had cs monday, and have a 2.5yo. I'm very sore and tired. You just need to accept any help offered and rest.