experiences of caring for a toddler after c-section advice please

[stressbucket1]

I have a 2y/o DD and I am due to have a planned c-section soon. I was just wondering how soon I would be able to lift my toddler and how much help I would need? DH will be off for the standard 2 weeks will I be ok on my own after that?

I can't help but watching with interest....

My dd1 was 2.8 when my dd2 was born by elective c section. I was worrying a bit about coping with toddler etc beforehand but it was better than expected.

Dh had 10 days off, including time I was in hospital so was only at home one week before he was back at work. We live overseas so no family around.

It wasn't as hard as I expected, dd1 was big enough to climb onto chairs, into car etc by herself.

I started driving after 2 weeks as dd1 needed to get out of the house. Driving was easy, lifting pram in and out of car a bit harder.

Take it as easy as possible while your dh is at home, rest as much as you can. Keep on top of any pain medication etc. Honestly, I didn't find it too bad at all - just don't overdo it.

Thanks for your reply DD is not very mobile yet she is walking but can't climb into car seat so I am already starting to struggle with that! I am lucky to have family around so can get help if I need it. I am thinking plenty of cbeebies and staying in if that doesn't drive me too mad!

CBeebies is your friend! DS1 was 2.1 when DS2 arrived but weighed 18.5kg, 9 weeks on I'm still cautious about lifting him! Call in any favours you can to give you a hand while DH is at work, and arrange energetic (for the toddler) outings such as to soft play when DH gets home.

first 6 weeks you are advised to lift baby only.

DS3 was 2 when I had DS4 (ELSC as footling breech)

I had DH staying home for 3 weeks (2 weeks paternity leave & week holiday as over Christmas) then my mum arrived and stayed for 6 weeks - but only because I didn't know when I could drive again etc and needed help with school run etc.(DS1 was in year 1, aged 5.5, DS2 was 3.5 and in playgroup with DS3)

I did end up driving after 4 weeks though, but was not lifting kids.
I found lifting double pushchair hard work and avoided it as much as I could.

I was back to normal with everything after 3 months.

good luck