C section two days ago - struggling

[Oceansinourway]

I had an elective section on Tuesday afternoon, following an emergency one in December 2020. So far, recovery from the elective has been awful while the emergency wasn’t too bad! I’m struggling massively to do basic tasks like feed newborn DD, so that’s a big worry, my toddler is lovely but boisterous and I’m finding myself almost a bit scared of him as he is unpredictable and will sometimes launch himself at me (in affection.)

I suppose I am just wondering when it gets better. My stitches hurt and pull a lot and I have some sort of battery operated device attached to me which is a nuisance.

Please look after yourself, it’s such early days. Don’t worry about your DH he hasn’t been through surgery, he needs to step up. Is your toddler normally in childcare, if so do make use of it, routine will be good for them. If not, take up any family/friends who offer to help. I have been there, you will be ok if you rest and keep taking meds, I contacted my gp for stronger pain relief after my second cs, just to get me through that first fortnight

@Mojitosaremyfavourite poor you. What a horrible thing to happen. Our toddlers sound similar: mines lovely but energetic and into everything.

Toddler goes to nursery three days a week so that’s something! I think I’m just feeling very physically and emotionally worn and drained - it will pass I’m sure. Hoping the midwives can help a bit with feeding as an struggling with my recovery as positioning is hard. I guess we all have some adjusting to do! I am so grateful for your kind responses

Your DP needs to be dealing with your toddler. You just feed baby and rest/heal.

I had a 3 year old after my c section. I used to sit with a pillow over my wound for added protection. My husband took her out to soft play or something physical in the morning then we had a bit of a cuddle and a movie when she was tired. My husband dealt sorted her if she was getting too much.

I also used lots of pillows to support my arms and protect my wound when feeding. Took a lot of the pressure off.

I took all the painkillers given until I didn't need them. I didn't get on with the painkiller given by hospital so went to gp and they gave me an alternative. No shame in taking relief if you're in pain

I know the guilt is strong but it's only a short amount of time and then you will be able to give your eldest more and won't need your husband to do as much.

Ask for stronger painkillers and take the religiously. It's much harder to get on top of pain than keep on top of it. I had paracetamol useless, ibuprofen and diclofenac although I don't think they still prescribe that but there must be something else.

You need to rest but movement is good, a gentle walk around the garden.

When I had an emcs Dts were in nicu the first visit I was in a wheelchair, from then on I was encouraged to walk.

Good luck, it will get better.

I stayed in hospital at least 48 hours after mine, and my second was in NICU so four days. That got me over the worst so by the time I went home I was ready for dealing with toddler and everything else. I liked getting out most days but kept to the no driving gif six weeks.