Post C/Section-ers - how long before you can push a pram or use a bjorn baby type carrier?

[TheRealGabster]

Like I say, post op for C/Section and m/wives seem to think I should not push the pram for 6 weeks.

Aside from feeling like I am under house arrest, the trouble is I have to do the school run and if I can't drive for 6 weeks and can't push the pram (therefore can't walk) how exactly am I supposed to get DS1 to school and back without relying on all the other mums in the village for a whole month???

I though maybe I could use the carrier instead but suspect this is a problem too.

Opinions please! :-)

A different carrier/ wrap/ moby style might be more comfortable for you

I would recommend not using a Bjorn at all

I had a school run to do when my second was 4 days old and I didn't drive. I put ds in the sling (wrap). First time round, I had no need to use a sling straight away but I did immediately as dd preferred being close. In a proper wrap, in the right position, it was fine.

You need to ask your insurers about driving too as it doesn't have to be 6 weeks.

I've been pushing the pram from 3 weeks as advised by MW

I had two emc and was pushing a pram within 2 weeks, I took it easy and gave myself plenty of time. I was ok. I also drove within a month both times.

You'll know yourself when you're ready. If you're not ready you'll have to see about a daily taxi.

My insurers told me I was ok to drive as soon as I was able to do an emergency stop without pain.

I was pushing the pram after a week. I started using the sling and driving again at 4 weeks.

I'd ignore your midwifes and listen to your body.

I was about 4 weeks for driving too. less than that for sling and pushing. agree Moby typesling. not a baby bjorn

I don't know who these women are who can wait 6 weeks to push a pram/ carry their baby upstairs/ bend over a cot but they certainly aren't any of the ones that I know!

I think you need to listen to your own body. Take it easy, don't do anything that feels like you might be doing yourself damage, accept help where you can but do what you are comfortable doing. (Except the hoovering. It took me an awfully long time before I was possibly able to even consider hoovering ;-p)

I had DS in a stretchy wrap within a week. By far the most comfortable way of touting him around.

Most insurers will palm you off with 'Ask your doctor'. So, give the surgery a ring, ask for a call back, explain that you're absolutely fine and get them to put a record of our on your notes just in case.

My gp was quite amenable to this - was looking forwardher own cs#3 at the time!

With regards to carriers, bjorn styles are dreadful for your back and posture (and not great for the baby's either). Try a wrap sling instead as they distribute weight more evenly and are very comfortable.

I found the pram good for leaning on tbh - wasn't told not to push one!

3 weeks on here, can push pram for 10 mins or so before I feel uncomfortable, though we have a Vista and it weighs a ton! Carried dd in bushbaby cocoon for about 40 mins the other day.

Echo listen to your body. I seem to be healing pretty slowly tbh, still taking prescribed painkillers (diclofenac) as well as paracetamol. Not surethe 3yo is helping...

Oh, forgot to say -was driving after 2 weeks after cs#2 and absolutely fine.

I was pushing a pram after a week, just took it easy, carried him in a moby wrap at around the same time I think. I drove after 3 weeks. I just took it easy. I was knackered the first time I took the pram out. Even after 6 weeks I was still pretty sore after a big walk.
Once you get your stitches taken out you feel a bit better.

I pushed mine out of the hospital 48 hours after she was born.. I have an expedior and had it with the car seat. ok, so my oh was using the front handle to help, but in fact it kept me stable and supported. a bit like having a zimmer frame.

I would imagine the concerns would be around hills and weight bearing. Whilst its not an issue per sea to push a pram you have to remember not to hold anything heavier than baby for the first 6 weeks. this includes pushing/pulling/ stretching. Lifting a pram, in whatever sense is a difficult one. and painful and potentially going to do damage.

It can also depend on the weight of the pram too. and your own personal recovery.

I have a stretchy wrap but I have yet to risk it because my inside wounds are still quite sore. remember that with a C section it is the hidden wounds that can take their time to heal. these are higher up. if you want to use a sling i recommend seeking out a sling library to trial all the different ones and see which is best for post c section. I was told a stretchy, which does sit higher but Im just over cautious...

After about 2 weeks with the first section, 4 days with the second and with a week with the 3rd

I pushed the pram the day I was discharged

No one told me not to!

I couldn't do it comfortably until 6 months after CS. I still get pain there.

I pushed the pram day 9....also have school runs to do. just leave yourself enough time so you arent rushing. 6 weeks! how ridiculous!

Get a manduca sling, they are the best.

Didn't have a pram but used a soft wrap sling after four days. If you don't want to shell out for a wrap sling you can make one with a length of stretchy cotton. I used mine for about five weeks and then switched to the Bjorn.

Pushed the pram home from hospital. Like curiousgeorgie no one told me not to. I was running with the pram by 4 weeks!
I had to wait 8 w to drive though as needed 2nd surgery and had to wait 6 w after that :(

Lurking as I'm due a section in three weeks (well unless babs turns a serious sommersault).
I've just got my Moby through the post and reckon it's probably be ok to use (if tied in back away from scar) and probably handier than pram (there are steps leading up to my house so pram needs to either stay folded up in car or carried up about 6 steps which I assume isn't practical/safe).

I used a baby carrier 5 days after my c section but just around the house. I have a Wilkinet which holds the baby more like a wrap carrier.

I had a CS NYE. I was pushing a pram 7 days post surgery and driving just over 2 weeks post surgery. All you need is confirmation from your GP or consultant signing you off to drive and they will as long as you can do an emergency stop. Once you have this (and you don't need it in writing just on your medical notes) your insurer will be fine.

I was also back at the gym at 4 weeks all signed off by GP and consultant. My GP and consultant encouraged mobility as soon as possible. My recovery was really quick and although uncomfortable the CS was not so painful I couldn't do most things straight away.

I understand everyone is different but I was surprised at how mobile I was after surgery.