ELCS

[laketaupo]

Just a few questions -
Pedicure allowed or not ?
Driving, how long after or is it purely based on insurance ?
When can you have a bath ?
How was your general mobility after the procedure?
I have a toddler already but will have DP around 24/7 for a good while afterwards.

No nail varnish
Driving was 6 weeks this time thanks to an over-cautious insurance company. Last time I was ready after 3 weeks (different insurance company)
Shower at 48 hours - not sure about bath
General mobility fine - just take it slower, walk tall, don't twist. Keep up with your painkillers for the first week at least!
I left it until after the 6 week check to lift up our toddler again, but that's worked out fine

I was told no nail varnish but i had my gel toes done and nothing was said, probably not advisable though.
I drove after 2 weeks, check with insurance, ive never known anyone have it specified, it is generally on doctor's advice/as and when you feel able to do an emergency stop.
I showered as soon as i was up but was told not to bath (ie submerge scar) until it was healed over so maybe 3 weeks or so.
First 48 hours mobility was very hard, as soon as i was home and moving there was nothing i wasnt able to do other than lift anything very heavy/awkward. Getting out of bed a bit painful for a while.

Pedicure not advised.
I drove after 5 weeks. I never checked anything with my insurance, but only felt safe after that long.
As above - showered, told no bath until dressings off IIRC
Was able to get up walk/shower 24hrs after (when catheter removed) in hospital. I was very tender though.
With toddler if you can organise things so you don't have to lift them i.e. In and out of bath/cot mores the better.

Sitting/lying down and breastfeeding was the best thing for recovery. That's and calling the GP for stronger pain relief.

Going to be bottle feeding but will have my TT in bedroom with me I think. Might need to look into one of those Chicco next to me cots , as I had Dc in bed with me last Time as was single so plenty of room haha!

Will save the pedicure for an after birth treat then!
Couldn't find the bit on my car insurance docs which deals with C secs , will have to ring them.
Dc is very independent at getting in and out of bath and also does his own bedtime routine so should be pretty easy , especially with Dp around. Will try to keep as mobile as poss though.

Pedicure was fine with my csections, no nail varnish though.
Mobility was ok after just a bit slower. I was allowed to drive as soon as I could make a comfortable emergency stop. Baths they say when stitches have dissolved/been removed.
Going in for my 3rd csection in a few weeks. Things have changed a lot with recovery and discharge at the hospital I'm going to. 7 years ago it was a 3 night stay, now they do 'enhanced recovery' and let you go home within 24 hours providing there are no complications. Pleased about that!

Ideally no nail varnish, but you'd get away with toes being done.

You can drive whenever you feel comfortable doing an emergency stop. I was fine within 10 days, other people differ. You don't need to discuss with your insurance company and there is no blanket ban for 6 weeks.

You can have a bath once the wound is dry, which is within a week for most people.

Mobility varies between people, personally I think the more you do the quicker you recover. I was out and about, pushing the pram, going to the pub for lunch etc. by the end of the first week.

Thanks all, hoping to get the green light from the midwife next week on the elective.
Will wait until the 6 week check to get back to the gym , hoping to not have any overhang

What do people think about Moses baskets etc for post recovery?

I had a crib with my other two but a Moses basket this time. Did ok with the crib and the stand I have for the Moses basket is pretty much the same height as the crib was so think it'll be ok. Going to have it right next to the bed. Easier to move if you want it downstairs in the day too.
I think anything that means you don't have to bend too much is best.

@laketaupo careful on the getting back to the gym part , the recommendation from physio friends was to ease very gently into exercise, focus on strengthening your core, and if possible, work with either a physio or personal trainer who has experience of post c section bodies.

I drove after 3 weeks - checked with insurance company first though as some say your insurance will be invalid if you haven't at least spoken to them / checked with them first. Some insist on a doctors note.

Mobility for the first few days was tough but mine was an emergency section after a long few days of induction, so I think that impacted on my mobility.

If you can, tie something like a dressing gown cord around the end bedpost (if you have one) and use that to gently get yourself out of bed.
Also, something by the loo to help you off the loo! I used the sink to pull myself up!

No baths until scar is healed, mine was a few weeks due to infections sadly. Showers totally fine after 24 hours, but don't let any shower gel etc get into the wound.

Other tips;

• have everything 'in reach' in the living room in say a basket or something so you don't have to keep getting up and down for the first few days (anything you could possibly think of needing, including snacks!)
• massive pants to go over your wound for at least the first couple of weeks
• cushion/pillow in the car for when you go home to go over your wound

Good luck!

Also, depending on your home set up, Moses basket upstairs and downstairs 😊

Fortunately all on one level (flat). Getting a Chicco next2me this week so will have that to help hopefully , and a basket of items to hand too!