Tips for recovering & coping with a toddler after second c-section

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I have chosen to have an election c section with second baby. First child will be 3.5yo when second baby is born.

I am extremely worried about how I will recover from my second c section whilst having a newborn and at the same time trying to still

Cont.

Be there and be a supportive involved mum to my toddler?

Any tips on recovery and how to manage with toddler?

Take any help offered. Being mobile will aid recovery so try to do what you can and listen to your body, it will let you know if you are doing too much. If your worry is that your toddler will feel a bit neglected then you can have them to the side of you for cuddles while you feed baby, maybe read a book. Not pushing yourself too much but still having that bonding time.

I didn't find recovery hard from elcs. I had newborn twins and 3 older children (2, 4 & 9). I avoided lifting the younger 2 for a few weeks using steps to get the one in nappies on to changing table. Hubby did most bath times in those few weeks. I didn't use painkillers at all, I'm the type to overdo things if I numb the pain so better to feel it. I'm book for elcs again in less than 2 weeks but the youngest are 6 now so don't need lifting anymore and quite happy to entertain themselves.

I had my second c-section when my eldest was 25 months.

Things that helped,

1. Set up all your nappies, clothes, bibs including spares each morning so you don't need to go upstairs.

2.Dh or my Mum bathed DS1 for about 2 weeks and thereafter I just dried him rather than lift him for a time. 3.Only do a pram walk when you are confident, I did one 2 weeks after my section and it set me back so much. 3.I encouraged couch cuddles with DS1 so that I didn't have to lift him.

1. keep up with your pain relief.

5.A few table based or couch based toys/books/sticker I could do with DS1 rather than get on the floor.

1. do you have anyone who can take your toddler out and about for you when you first come home perhaps for the first week or so?
2. Easy food and snacks and drinks to hand.
3. TV, lots.

You will be ok. I had sort of forgotten the pain from the section from the first time around but whilst it's hard, I think you will find you will be more mobile sooner after your second because you sort of have to be. Don't forget to prop yourself up with a pillow or one of those body pillows initially as it is difficult to lie flat. I remember sitting up mostly in the night in bed with newborn DS2 asleep on me.

Good luck and you can do it.

I think prepping your older one helps - my 3yo knew that I needed an operation to get the baby out, that my tummy would be sore so he couldn't climb on me and that I'd need help. He became chief nappy fetcher!

Keep on top of pain meds, don't feel guilty about TV time, nappy changing box downstairs and up stairs, safe place to put baby upstairs and downstairs for when you need to deal with the older one.

Biggest help was DH having extra time off and DS1 still going to nursery a couple of days a week.

I had my second c section when DD was 2years 10 months and it was actually easier with her than I thought. I got her used to not being carried and picked up by me in the last couple of months of pregnancy when I was big so she adapted to that quite well. After I had my DS I explained to her that she needed to be careful of my tummy and she happened to see the scar and was quite aware of it and if she came charging towards me I tried to pre empt it and put my hands out to slow her down. The hardest part was that she wanted me to play on the floor and that was quite painful but I’d encourage her to bring toys up on the sofa or do a little playing on the floor. My DH was at home for 2 weeks then my mum stayed for a week so for the first 3 weeks there was always someone there which helped

You've had some good advice. I understand your nerves. Ive felt the same. Ive had 3 caesareans and its actually been fine with parenting the other children. I honestly think it will be fine. You might be a bit less mobile while you are recovering but you can still sit on the sofa and read a book to your toddler or get him involved with helping care for the baby- like bathing and dressing them. My 2 older boys were really excited when ds3 was born and really enjoyed holding him and looking at him! After 3/6 months you'll be more active again and like any other mum. But for now im sure your toddler will be fine with you being a little less active than usual. Honestly it will be fine. Ive had 3 caesareans and everything's been ok. Just enjoy the time with your new baby xx

At 3.5 your child will be a useful helper, so forget setting up nappies and get your child to help. He's no longer actually a toddler btw now he's 3.5. Second time around it's likely you'll also find it a lot easier to recover, so there's no reason why you will need to do anything that different. The hardest part is the first 24 hours after you get home. He can even get himself out the bath at 3.5 so it's not like you need to do any lifting.