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Postnatal health

As with all health-related issues, please seek advice from a RL health professional if you're worried about anything.

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Original poster

Really scared. Accidentally lifted more than my baby.

39 replies

Coulddowithopinions · 12/10/2025 12:56

I’m 2 weeks post c-section today and have a lot of worry about any possible actions that could cause internal scarring. It’s a fear I’ve had since having my first baby.

Today I was carrying my baby and without thinking I lifted a bag which weighs 1.3kg to carry downstairs. I put it down straightaway when I thought about it halfway down but now I’m worrying that I’ll somehow have caused myself a problem by going against the advice not to carry more than the weight of my baby. For reference my baby weighs 3.62kg.

Any mumsnetters with knowledge on this? Should I be concerned? Am I being irrational? How much can I lift without being worried? Thank you

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Original poster

Coulddowithopinions · 12/10/2025 15:54

SquirrelBlue · 12/10/2025 14:33

I had twins and was told not to lift more than my twins. I assume twin mums' bodies probably heal about the same as everyone else after a c section so when I heard singleton mums being told not to lift more than their one baby, I was a bit sceptical. It's guidance not a strict rule. One doctor said to me basically don't go moving house and lifting boxes straight afterwards.

Thank you, that makes me feel a bit more reassured

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Original poster

Coulddowithopinions · 12/10/2025 15:56

mondaytosunday · 12/10/2025 14:35

If you had a toddler would you not pick them up? I had sections with both babies and while I didn’t drive for six weeks I carried on as usual - whatever felt comfortable. You’d have felt it right away if you’d done some damage.

I have got a toddler but have been very careful not to lift her. I was also careful not to lift my eldest child when I had a section with my second. But I guess it’s reassuring to know that perhaps I’m erring more on the side of caution and women in the same position are fine when lifting more than I have been doing so. Not that I’ll leap to lifting more at the moment.

OP posts:

Original poster

Coulddowithopinions · 12/10/2025 15:58

mondaytosunday · 12/10/2025 14:35

I felt twinges but think that may have just been in my mind/because I didn’t take pain relief this morning like I normally do. It’s not painful now. Assuming you mean I’d have been in immense pain if I’d done damage?

OP posts:

motherofdragons11 · 12/10/2025 16:22

Cantseetreesforthewood · 12/10/2025 13:30

Please stop worrying.
Second time Mums have to deal with toddlers post cs. It's advice, not prohibited.

But, as gently as I can, please also keep an eye on your mental health, and talk to a health care professional if this level of anxiety continues.

I'm taken aback by this comment. OP asking for advice and trying to adhere to that professional advice is acceptable. Pregnancy and birth is a worrying time.

Section mum here. Please don't worry, it's guidance. I was also lifting a toddler and forgetting until they were in my arms! Ouch!

LaChouette · 12/10/2025 16:27

Coulddowithopinions · 12/10/2025 13:51

Thanks, I meant I lifted it at the same time as carrying my baby.

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I think I would be more concerned about the wisdom of carrying a baby and a bag downstairs and not being able to hold onto the banister.

AndSoFinally · 12/10/2025 20:45

I’m not sure what you mean? You’ve just had a c-section, you’ve already got major internal scarring! What are you trying to avoid??

obviously don’t go lifting major weights but I think you’re being a bit literal here

Nineandahalf · 12/10/2025 20:57

My baby weighed 5kg and I carried her after a c section.
As pp said, I imagine the bad choice was the fact you were carrying a baby and a bag downstairs after surgery and couldn't hold the bannister.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 12/10/2025 21:15

You’ll be ok as you could have had a heavier baby. If it did any damage you’d have felt it immediately

Jamandtoastfortea · 12/10/2025 21:19

Single parent with multiples - I picked up more than one baby constantly! You’d know if anything had gone wrong. Try to relax your mind. Easier said than done I know xx

Acornhat · 12/10/2025 21:23

At that age my baby was over 5kg. So I assume the advice is more of a guideline because babies are all different sizes and it can’t possibly be precise. Obviously don’t go lifting big heavy boxes and moving house, but I imagine you’re fine.

TheLemonLemur · 12/10/2025 22:20

Its advice just listen to your own body. I moved house 6 weeks after a section so spent much of that time packing and lifting alot more than weight of baby!

HeddaGarbled · 12/10/2025 22:38

Babies’ weights are variable. This can only be a very rough guide. What if you had a heavy baby? It’s just one of those unscientific guidelines that get trotted out and most people understand is not to be adhered to with precision.

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 12/10/2025 22:43

Instead of worrying about scars I think you'll feel better if you take some practical action.

The lifting a weoght of x is a red herring...

I was worried about scarring in my first pregnancy but when when i had my 2nd section the surgeon complimented how scars free I was 🫠

I did the same in both pregnancies...
Once external wound is fully healed externally I started wearing elastoplast xxl strips (and silicone strip will do) fairly religiously. From 4 / 6 weeks iirc

I went to a good postpartum physio /osteo who showed me how to find and massage facia to release it this prevents adhesions etc.
They will also check for muscle separation etc. And help align ribs etc if needed.... It's money well spend imo.

Hiptothisjive · 13/10/2025 00:43

Yes you are being very irrational and I think that’s more the issue than lifting something. I’ve had a c and my baby was about 10lbs. I’m perfectly fine. I know of people who have had c sections and had tiny babies and were practically on bed rest and had scarring. You are overreacting so take a breath and think about why you feel this way? Especially after your 4th….

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