How much help did you have post c section?

[Matilda30]

I know recovery varies but I just wondered what help people had post section. I'm having an ELCS. My partner will take 2 weeks paternity, then might be able to take a third week of annual/unpaid leave. If all goes smoothly, would you expect to be ok alone from the 4th week? We don't have any help from our parents unfortunately.

I was pretty much okay by week 4 :) I couldn't do major things - try get some meals in the freezer. I spent a lot of time watching TV and breastfeeding!! My main aim each day was to have a shower.

With dc1 I had an emergency section, I had help for a week then on my own during the day. I spent a lot of time watching TV and breastfeeding.

With dc2 I'll have help for two weeks, mainly due to toddler needing entertainment. Good luck!

As long as you heal normally you should be fine by then. I would personally want help the third week but only for ease of getting used to parenting, not because you would NEED it because of your wound.

Thanks for the advice. I'm not fussed about doing any housework or even necessarily getting a shower. I just want to be able to do the basics of looking after baby and myself. 31+ weeks now and starting to feel real!

Btw, that would have been a scared face not a smiley if I could find one!

I had an ELCS and was back driving by the third week. I think the big thing is to learn really fast not to do anything too quickly! The first week can be v weird but just be very good and take the painkillers as prescribed. By week two you should be feeling lots better, just slow and with no core muscles. Try not to have a seat on a v low chair or sofa for a while....

You'll be fine!

I would think you'd be fine by then. The first two weeks after my ends were intense but the upward curve was steep after that (I mean I got better very quickly then)

After DC1, DH had 2 weeks of paternity and then went back to work.

With DC2, DH could only afford one week and the first three days I spent in labour. I had an emcs again. DH went back to work when DS was 4 days old and DC1 started school on the same day. So on day 4 post section I had a school run (4 miles on the bus) and a mile to walk at the end of it. It wasn't ideal at all but I had no choice.

Thankfully, I've always bounced back well. No painkillers, 12hr discharge from hospital and absolutely fine to move around if a little slow.

EMCS I meant!

I'd have been absolutely fine on my own after a week, as I recovered from the c section very quickly, but I know others who found it much more difficult - luck of the draw, I guess. I think it's difficult to predict how much help you'll actually need until the time.

It took me about 3 weeks after my first to feel ok- shorter after the second. I'd ask your partner to take three weeks off if possible. You'll both be glad he did.

My best tip though is to tie a bedsheet to the foot/end of the bed and use it to pull yourself up to a seated position when lying down. I wanted to marry the person who gave me this tip

I had an ELCS 17 days ago and I've been fine for the last week. Can even cough now without pain! Can pretty much do anything, though avoiding lifting heavy things purely as a precaution. It really hasn't been anywhere near as bad as some people suggest. I would think you'd be fine after a fortnight, and certainly after three weeks.

Tie a bed sheet?!? That is brilliant!!!

Going in for ELCS next week and I'm doing that!!

I had an elective section 2 weeks ago I've had relatively little pain, some discomfort - I felt as though I had been and done a hardcore gym class/serious abs workout. I have had complications with my scar however as I have a haematoma which is taking its time to heal. My dh has had two weeks off with us, we have a toddler also so he dealt with the toddler and I've dealt with the baby which has worked out well.

My ds (first baby) was an emcs and whilst I had no complications afterwards, I was much more sore and bent double when I got up/couldn't get on and off our bed initially after coming home so I slept in the spare bed, dh had to sit me up to feed etc (GREAT tip about the bedsheet tied to the end of the bed by the way I wish I had known about that!) was driving after 3 weeks.(automatic car). I feel ok to drive now this time, so elective I think has a better recovery as you've not laboured beforehand, you are much calmer on the day and everything is managed if that makes sense?

Good luck :-)

Thanks all! The bed sheet is a great idea! I have everything crossed for a straightforward recovery!!

I had an emcs but great recovery (I know not everyone is so lucky). DH had 2 weeks paternity leave and I managed fine by myself after that. Even before that, I was doing laundry 3 days post section and on my hands and knees scrubbing baby poo out of the carpet after 5 days. That was pretty stupid though - no ill effects, but if I ever have a section again I will put my feet up and rest more!

you will be ok I'm sure. I am 9 days post c section and feel good - other than tiredness of course..

I am doing everything as normal.

I was fine by the fourth week but like PPs have said, do take it easy. Set yourself up with somewhere for the baby to sleep and stuff to change nappies downstairs so you don't have to keep going up and down. I only really felt it going upstairs and up hill.

And lots of big pants. Lots and lots of big pants...