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Original poster

How soon can I go out after C-section

41 replies

millysimmons · 02/09/2006 13:14

Hi,
I'm having an elective c-section on the 18th sep & we have been invited to a family 40th birthday party in a hotel on the 24th. Have tried to get out of it or leave it as open but am getting pressure from MIL to go. Wondered how soon I will be up & about & I am really concerend about taking baby out so young to a large gathering, where there could be colds infections & smoke!! Am I being a 1st time over protective mum or would you not advise it? Are there any official guidelines on this. Have also had very bad SPD which hs left me on crutches & wheelchair bound so will not only be recovering from section but also from the SPD.
Cant ask DH what to do as he's away at sea at mo but really need to reply asap.
Ta

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madmarchhare · 02/09/2006 13:21

There is no 'official' rule and I think most would say when you are ready.

I would say that I probably wouldnt have fancied it, but thats just me as I was feeling quite emotional.

Just say you will see how it goes, that is after all what is going to happen. If youre getting to much pressure just say yes to get them off your back and then dont bother.

SueW · 02/09/2006 13:23

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

stitch · 02/09/2006 13:27

a csection is major surgery. how can anyone insist ou commit to a party only seven days later?
would they have done the same thing if you were having a hysterectomy? or any other major surgery?
and the added thing of a baby?
ignore her.

Seashells · 02/09/2006 13:27

I had my 1st c-section at the beginning of May and would definately not have been able to be up and about that soon, I was in hospital for 4 days then pretty much laid up for about 2weeks. It was an emergency CS that I had and I know recovery tends to be longer in this instance, so maybe you will feel differently.
Are you planning on staying over at the hotel or is it just a couple of hours at the hotel for the party?

Kittypickle · 02/09/2006 13:43

I have had a couple of emergency sections and was really proud of myself for making the 3 minute walk to school with my new baby to drop DD at school. Socialising was firmly not on my list.

I would say to your MIL that seeing as there is a chance that you may still in fact be in hospital (very unlikely but say it anyway) and 6 days post major surgery you will absolutely not under any circumstances be going. If the silly old bat carries on tell her you have spoken to your midwife who has confirmed that medically you will not be fit to go.

Will your DH be back for a bit to give you a hand whilst you are recovering ?

Original poster

millysimmons · 02/09/2006 13:44

Its an afternoon & evening thing. I really dont feel I am going to be up to it as I may only have been out of hospital for a day or two. Just being made to feel so guily for saying no.

OP posts:

Mum2FunkyDude · 02/09/2006 13:51

Never mind the c-section your baby would probably still be nursing every 2 hours!

Mum2FunkyDude · 02/09/2006 13:53

Tell her, thanks you'll try your best, but she should not feel offended if you decide not to go at the last minute. .

I had some bad luck, my scar opened and they recommend you don't do any heavy lifting etc for at least 2 weeks!

spinach · 02/09/2006 14:16

i had a planned section, all went well, no probs, baby fine, couldnt have gone better really... but theres NO WAY i would have gone out a week later. I was EXHAUSTED from the surgery, feeding, sleepless nights... your mil should be telling you not to come! take it easy, stay home and enjoy your baby that day instead... some people think c-sections are no big deal... but you really will need to tak it easy afterwards. xx

LucyJones · 02/09/2006 14:18

How insensitive of your MIL I think you should get dh to have a sharp word with her. Apart from anything a planned c-section might be delayed if an emergency comes in so it might happen later anyway

Sophiev73 · 02/09/2006 14:41

I had an elective CS with my breech 2nd baby and yes, I could have gone to a party for a while after 7 days, but probably wouldn't have enjoyed it much! Your MIL is clearly bonkers (sorry) but if the guilt is getting to you and you're anxious it should be possible just not much fun! Anyway, you're having a baby, not a party, and I think that may just be a little more important! Email her this thread... tee hee

snuffy143 · 02/09/2006 14:46

Hi. I had two absolutely perfect elective sections - both born on Tue, out on Fri and wearing my jeans on Sat. However, I would NEVER have committed to a social like that. I was ok cos I was at home with DH running around for me and mum and MIL bringing meals and taking domestic chores away from me. I still had my stitch in a week after and was leaking milk for England. Stay at home and enjoy your babe and explain to your insensitive MIL that that is that!

lucy5 · 02/09/2006 14:53

I didn't have a C section but I still wouldn't have felt like going out. You will be tired and will be nursing constantly. I didn't even get dressed for about a week.

sarahsbump · 02/09/2006 14:55

I had a normal easy delievery and I wasnt up for a party a week after!!
Its bad enough with the sleepless nights and emotions,but to have had surgery aswell your MIL obviously doesnt remember how hard it was
Tell her you will see how you feel but dont feel pressured x

kid · 02/09/2006 14:57

Maybe she wants the baby there so she can show him/her off?
I had an elective section and on the 3rd day (home from hospital on 2nd day), I walked to the shops, I was in complete agony. However on the 7th day, I walked 30 minutes to my work and was fine. I only stayed there for an hour, not as long as you would be expected to stay at a party.

I think you have to see how you feel after the birth.

NewTermAtMaloryTowers · 02/09/2006 15:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

nineinchnipples · 02/09/2006 15:29

I had an emergency cswhich is little different I guess but there is no way I would feel up for a party afternoon/evening thing 6 days later. I was impressed I was having a shower each day! They say you cant lift a kettle of water at that stage so not sure about the party?!?

LaDiDaDi · 02/09/2006 16:05

I had em.c. section in May. There's no way I would have wanted to go to a bday party 6 days later! Your mil is mad and tbh I would be tempted to tell her that!

AngeG · 02/09/2006 16:43

I had elective c-section and would not have wanted to have been at a party 7days later.

I had a friend who had elective and had SPD and she would never have made it to a party 7 days later she was still in some pain. TBH I think your MIL just wants to show new grandchild off. You may be up to it but I think you should leave it open.

Other thing is you won't be able to drive yourself so if you do go you'll be relying on somebody else taking you home when you've had enough...not good if that person is your MIL.
Good Luck

pupuce · 02/09/2006 16:47

I'd say if you plan to BF you might not be able to be out and about. I volunteer at a BF clinic and how often do I not see women who are finding BF very hard and they tell me they went to a wedding last WE... baby wa snot even 10 days old.... they always think it was a disaster tiredness wise and BF wise.
As from the OP... I think it's unwise to commit to an outing so early after it but to each their own. You ahev a scar that won't have yet healed, you may still be bleeding heavily...

morningpaper · 02/09/2006 16:49

I haven't had a c-section but at 7 days I was only just venturing out of the house for the first time with any confidence, bursting into tears at the drop of a hat, leaking milk and trying to work out how the HELL to get the baby to take any, and bleeding delightful clots of blood every few hours.

So I would probably say no.

NewTermAtMaloryTowers · 02/09/2006 16:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Elibean · 02/09/2006 20:36

I had a very un-emergencyish emergency section and was only allowed home 7 days later. dd got jaundiced and lost weight, and my wound re-opened - you just never know! There is no way I'd have been at a party then, and that was without SPD....so in response to the OP I'd let the family know I almost certainly won't be there, then if you DO feel like it thats a bonus for them
That said, I wouldn't have taken my week old baby anywhere smoky anyway.

merrily · 02/09/2006 20:51

There's no way I would have been up for a party - let alone a family gathering with the in-laws - just 6 days after my c-section. You will probably be kept in for 4-5 days after the operation, so you won't be home from the hospital until the 22nd/23rd. You'll be horribly sleep-deprived and recovering from SPD as well?!?!!!! I would say no. If by some miracle you feel up for it on the actual day, well that will be a lovely surprise for them all won't it!

Original poster

millysimmons · 02/09/2006 21:09

Managed to get hold of DP who has said no way. He wants us to lock ourselves away and draw the curtains & ignore the door etc not go parading the baby around for MIL benefit. He agrees with stuff here about getting to grips with BF etc, how I will be feeling & the need for us to spend sometime getting to know each other. If all else fails my mum has said she will tell her to take a step back. ( that was polite of me!!)

OP posts:

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