C section recovery with toddler

[mummyyyof2]

Newly a mum of 2, had my c section on Friday and my 2 yo DS is coming home from grandmas Today (Sunday)

so excited to see him I’ve missed him so so much. I am just very nervous because of his age he won’t really get he needs to be gentle and I can’t get on the floor yet and play etc and pre having his sibling he has been very all for me and wouldn’t want anyone else

so I’m scared he’ll ask for me and I won’t be able to sit down or run around etc and he’ll get upset and just think I don’t want to play etc

we co sleep too so he usually does his cot 8pm(bedtime) until like midnight, then midnight to 7ish our bed

im so sore and struggling to move I probably will be able to more today (Sunday) but I’m just so nervous as I’m slow and I don’t want him to be upset at this or me :(

any tips for recovering with a young toddler?

Bumping as we approach morning and hopefully have more people online !

First if all, congratulations!

Dd2 was 2 when I brought home dd3. I was a single parent with limited help.
First, we had a big sister party when we got home. I knew so much fuss would be made of the new baby by visitors, I wanted to put the focus on my older girls for an hour. Just some balloons and their favourite foods, fun music to dance to, and sone gifts that would keep them (well, mainly dd2) occupied with minimal input. Playdough, new jigsaws, drawing pad and paint sticks etc.

My recovery was straightforward. I didn't need pain relief after I was released (was forced while in hospital!) and I just did more table based games (see gift list above!) so I could be in a decent seat and nurse baby comfortably. I just said my tummy was a bit sore (not anything related to baby as I didn't want them to think baby hurt me!) And it was easier at the table. She accepted it fine.

I had already transitioned dd2 into a bed beside my bed months before because I intended to cosleep with newborn but it didn't last long - I just made sure she was opposite side to me than dd3 for safety and I made sure to snuggle dd2 as often as possible.

In the early days other than feeding and nappy changes newborns dont need a ton of interaction - they are very sleepy. If you can comfortably baby wear it frees up your hands for play, reading and snuggles with your older one. I found the softer wraps much more comfy to my tummy than the structured carriers. Some people get their toddler involved by asking them to fetch nappies etc but I decided against it. She helped at times without me asking and LOVED just lying with her and telling her stories. They have a lovely bond now. It's a great age gap.

Realised I answered more about your older one not feeling left out rather than recovery! Mine was smooth but I just did normal stuff, just not on the floor for first week or so and didn't overdo it. Most painful was coughing or going from lying down to sitting so just take your time. It's typically all very temporary -a couple of weeks at most rather than months

Not sure if this was your first CS but take really good care to clean the wound and speak to health visitor if you have any concerns. They should be checking regularly anyway. I was sqeamish /freaked out with my first cs and felt ill trying to care for it so didn't do a good enough job!

I had a section when DD1 was 20 months. We told her Mummy had a big bruise on her tummy and she was pretty good at being careful when she was having cuddles. You'll probably find you can get down on the floor pretty soon (I did) and until then books, jigsaws, playdoh and getting some of his toys up on the table to play with could all work well.

It might be worth getting someone else (your mum, your partner, a good friend) to take him somewhere like a park where he can run around for a little every day just till you can as otherwise he might end up a bit cooped up. Everyone who asked me what they could do to help, I said the same thing to - "Could you take DD1 to the park across the road for half an hour so she's had a bit of time out of the house please?!"

I'm sure it'll be fine, my experience was that I recovered quicker than I expected.