ELCS- how was it for you & when did you start feeling 'yourself' again?

[cherrycherry41]

Im due to have an elcs at the end of this month and just got the dreaded news that DP is only getting 2 weeks off paternity leave
This will be my second c section, first was an emcs just under a year ago. Last time I was walking small distances and doing more 'human' things at 3 weeks post section, things really kicked in around 6 weeks when i felt fine apart from a bit of soreness!
I've heard a few people say they recovered so much better after an elective/2nd cs. Is it realistic for DP to go back to work after 2 weeks providing I heal normally? Will I be able to cope with a 1 year old and a newborn?
Any previous experience stories very welcome!

I have had two CS, although, since mine were a necessity for medical reasons (not judging) I hate the term elective.

With DD1, I didn't feel great until 5 weeks after, but they had lots of problems during the OP, DH and baby sent out of theatre.

With DD2 (elcs booked, emcs a week earlier)I was driving again after 3 weeks. They were expecting a lot of problems, about 15 people in theatre, paeds outside, but it went fine.

Both times DH had 2 weeks off, but worked the Saturdays during his leave.

I also have a DS who was 2.5 when DD1 was born.

after planned elcs, was back on my feet in a couple of hours and felt fine within a couple of days, driving in a couple of weeks. It's very, very different to an emcs. If you can, get some help for your toddler though so you can nap when the baby does - that's where to call in the favours or even start nursery / childminder for a few hours a day if you can afford it.

Hi cherry. I've always recovered really well from c-sections. My first was an emergency and was a bit harder. There's only a year between my first 3 dc so when dc 3 was born I already had a 1yr old and a 2yr old to look after. My then husband didn't have any paternity leave and I managed fine.
I'm hoping that recovery from my 5th section at the beginning of next month is just as easy as dp may only be entitled to 7 days paternity leave.

I was back on my feet a few days after. But very very cautious. I decided not to bend. Not to carry the baby up or down. No heavy lifting and had mum help me withmy other child.

Check with your car insurance. Mine said six weeks or with doctor's permission. It was about 4 weeks for me.

I'm 2 weeks post ELCS and am feeling generally quite good. Able to walk a fair distance outside with no issues, moving well without too much discomfort, bending, ironing small amounts etc. Dh has been off for 2 weeks and has another week off. We have dd who's nearly 3 so I'm not able to pick her up but no issues carrying baby ds. Might be more difficult with a 1 year old as they will need picking up more than a 3 year old. Good luck.

3 Weeks post emcs. I was out of bed 12 hours after for a shower...could move fine after a week...drove after two and a half Weeks and now i'm more or less normal. I have watched the lifting etc however and haven't pushed it too much. I think everyone is different though and I have been well looked after by dh.

I'm 3.5 weeks post cs. it was my second. I haven't been able to lift dd 18 months yet and as dh is going back to work this week it means my mother is coming to stay. I can't get her out of her cot, nor into her highchair for example.

I actually feel that I might be OK but don't want to risk it. she is 26 lb so not tiny.

OTOH I will be talking to my insurance company and gp about driving tomorrow as I don't have any worries about that.

I was more sore the second time (first emcs; second was a semi elcs in that I was meant to have one but went into labour at 37 weeks so it was done as an emergency), but dh went back to work after a week (we couldn't afford for him to take 2 and he'd booked his annual leave to help me with the school run when dd1 went back after the summer holidays a few weeks later - although in the end because I had dd2 early I was driving and able to walk the mile there and back by then ) and I was fine. I didn't have any other help either and had dd1 to look after as well. Just make sure you regularly take your painkillers.

Had an emcs the first time and felt physically ok after about 6 weeks.

Had an elcs 4 weeks ago and was walking to the park with dd (2.4) and running errands (not driving or lifting though) by 2 weeks and was feeling good. But then got an internal c section infection with fever which has set me back a week or more. But in general the recovery this time has been much speedier.

3rd c section elcs - 2.2 weeks ago. No pain meds and was driving fine on day 5. Was a bit knackered shopping etc last week. Feel good back to normal now. Have forgotten and lifted dd 2.8 not problem, but probably not advisable.