ELCS recovery tips

[Haahoooo]

Hi all

I had an EMSC with DD and will have an ELCS with DS (25 weeks pg now). I feel positive about it as even the EMCS was a relatively good experience.

However... I'd quite like to be back on my feet again ASAP post CS as I will have 2 DC to look after and not very much help (DH home for 2 weeks but then he will be back to working long hours, DM will come over for a bit).

Just wondering if anyone has any advice for things I could start doing now, or should go after birth, that will help the recovery. Thinking along the lines of exercises, eating the right things, prep to make life easier after DS arrival etc.

Many thanks in advance

Get as much rest as you can.

Plan ahead: make batches of casseroles/bolognaise sauce/shepherds pie and freeze, and plan all your meals for the first month. Get online shopping organised if you haven't already - you will not feel like going round the supermarket with a newborn and toddler in tow.

Any family birthdays coming up in the next two months? Buy the cards and presents now, and wrap them.

Congratulations on your pregnancy :)

How old is your DD? I only ask as I had 22mo between my DC and there were certain things I did with DD before my ELCS to reduce lifting - e.g. moved her out of a cot and into a bed, and started sitting her at a little table and chair instead of a highchair. That may not be relevant, though, if your DD is older.

Other than that I second ideas about batch cooking and sorting out birthday presents in advance.

Also just make sure you have plenty of toys for DD and a changing area/change of clothes for the baby downstairs to reduce making trips upstairs.

To give you some reassurance - I was feeling pretty good 2 weeks after my ELCS and was driving within 3 weeks. If you found your EMCS ok you will probably recover really well.

Good luck!

Thank you both very much. Those are good ideas! Yourmother, really encouraging to hear that you recovered so quickly.

Our age gap is similar, DD will be 20 months when DS is born. I'm not sure she's ready for a bed... She's very lively, and a very 'wild' sleeper, so I am worried she will end up on the floor! We have a little table and chairs for her so that's a good idea for meals. Also like the idea of a changing station downstairs, and meals in the freezer.

I'm most worried about not being able to pick DD up.. She's really affectionate and cuddly and the thought of not being able to pick her up when she wants a cuddle upsets me so much . DH is on strict orders to pick her up and hand her to me whenever possible during the first two weeks!

Fingers crossed for a quick recovery!!

Start by getting her to come to you for a cuddle when you are sitting down.She'll get used to mummy seated while she climbs on board. It'll be easier when heavily pregnant too.

Thank you mayhew. I am going to try to encourage that. She loves climbing all over me (and the bump!) when I sit down on the floor, but can't quite climb onto my lap yet when I'm sitting on the sofa.

One of those chest height changing stations. They are fab - I'm a childminder and use it all the time.
I didn't have it when I had my two sections but I wish I had.
Online shopping orders so you don't have to go out for food and always have stuff in.
Good luck with it and with baby

Dont think you feel fantastic then jump back into routine 4 days post op, get an infection and very heavy lochia
Just rest loaads and enjoy it

Accept all help offered (while in hospital especially)

I'm having an ELCS with DC2 next week and these tips are all great.

Only thing i can add is what i've done to prepare my DS, he's 2.3yo now. I have encouraged him to learn to climb up & down the stairs holding my hand & the banister or wall, to reduce lifting in late pregnancy.

If you go out to toddler groups with friends and they offer to help take them up on it. My DS can outrun me now so having someone else walk with us out to the car really helps my stress levels as my DS refuses to hold hands and i cant carry him or pick him up.

Good tip craving re stairs. DD is very good going up but a bit overconfident going down . Good luck with your DC2!

Don't do too much even if you feel well at first, you'll end up taking one step forward and two steps back.

Have a Moses basket/crib upstairs and down if you can, then you have an easily accessible bed for baby to nap in with minimal effort from you and no real lifting.

Have lots of refreshments and snacks near the sofa so you don't have to keep getting up.

Watch for scar infections, I found cleaning my scar with salt water in the bath really helped the healing process.