what help to ask for after cesarean

[redwellybluewelly]

So ELCS in June. Wasn't ever part of my birth plan or the way I ever thought id bring my children into the world. But. Here is it, the decision has been made, the childcare hopefully organised for

Dc1 and dh has four weeks booked off work.

However my friends have started to ask what they can help with, my family hasnt but if I ask someone to come and help with a specific task then they will do.

Can I ask what help you found best or what you wish someone had done? Dh will mainly be looking after dc1 but she will stay in nursery for three days a week for a month or two. We have aa big freezer and I'll batxh cook beforehand.

Sorry for typos my phone is playing up!

Housework for the first few weeks (especially hoovering). Lifts for first few weeks when you can't drive. That's about it really. It's really not that bad, you'll be up and about very quickly.

I had a section with DD and was amazed how quickly I recovered - I think after about 5 days I was feeling pretty normal and was out and about after a week or so. I had 3 weeks of constant support and then friends called round during the day when DH nd Mum back at work - but this wasn't section specific, it was more to do with helping with a newborn.
You're not supposed to drive for 6 weeks but my doctor and insurance company were perplexed about the issue - neither would make a call so next time I'll probably drive sooner, but something for you to think about if you rely on a car.
Good luck - it wasn't part of my birth plan either but it was absolutely fine, so much that I'm booked in or an ELCS in May.

Lifting laundry to washing machine / washing line. Maybe holding the baby so you can spend some hands free time with DC1. Being in charge of tea / coffee when they come to visit.

If your DH has 4 weeks off then you should manage fairly well, make the most of him being at home while you recover. I found it best to take it really easy for 2/3 weeks (sofa + pj's) then gradually built up.

I recovered quicker from my CS than from my VB and needed no help with the former and could have done with a lot of help after the latter

I'd say drop off and collection for DC1 would be the most helpful

I think the not driving for 6 weeks isn't because it may be difficult but because if you have an accident it could rupture the internal stitches although the same could happen if you were a passenger.

There are three mums who live near to me whose children go to the same childcare so pick ups drop offs possible and I can help out when they have their seconds. And my SIL has offered to do some wrap around care too in the past when i was poorly as dh works further away so she can do nursery run. Good thinking.

I've got a soft wrap sling which I can feed in but suspect that might be a week or so post surgery. Dh was genuinely surprised when I told him what recovery meant.

Will invest in some vaguely decent black PJ bottoms to slouch around in in case of visitors. And maybe book some play dates with GParents. Hopefully as its summer I can sit outside with dc2 in shady spot while dc1 runs around.

Maybe.

I've just had an ELCS. While DH was off work, it was fine, however since he has gone back I have needed favours involving driving, but mainly to do with DC1. I can look after the baby just fine, but my DS needs attention and playdates and shuttling to activities. Otherwise he is just stuck in the house getting frustrated at my inability to do physical play or proper cuddles or more active getting out of the house stuff.