What can I get to ease recovery after a c section (plus 2yo toddler)

[Justasconfusedwithnumber2]

This will be my second baby delivered by c section, first was EMCS and so I wasnt obviously as prepared but I did have support after and two hands! This time I will have less support around and a two year old to manage too so are there any suggestions what I can buy / pre plan to make things easier? DH will be home for two weeks but after that I am solo until I can comfortably move and drive.

I’ll tag into this thread!!

Bumping!

I am in the same situation I'm having a cs next month have a nearly 2 year old and am starting to worry about it a bit

I’m in the same position and I’m thinking that I’ll just need to relax my “standards” for a few weeks; DH will have to do a lot more in the evenings like washing, bathing our toddler, etc. I’ve recently got a cleaner and that will definitely help in those first few weeks.
I’m also planning on either stocking up the freezer with pre made meals or a lot of easy meals.
I’ve started trying to prepare my toddler a bit too that she’ll have to be careful on my tummy.

A planned section is so much easier to recover from than an emergency one (speaking from my experience). Just don't move too quickly and drink plenty of water, your body will do the rest, get hubby to take your 2 y/o out in the morning to give you plenty of time for getting showered and feeling yourself. After my emc I was out of action for a good 6 weeks (failed induction and shitty midwife) after the planned I was hovering the floors the day I got out and was driving after 10 days (all above board with my insurance company). Just batch cook a few different meals for the first week, don't worry about cleaning the house isn't going to fall apart.. I also found daily tea tree baths helped a lot the second time round. And if you have trapped wind or shoulder tip pain peppermint tea is great for a bit or relief. Good luck.

I've recently just had this although my DD is 6 and I honestly have to say the recovery will still take just as long but will be easier to handle as you really just 'have to get on with life'.

my DH had to go back after 2 weeks ( he was off for a year after damaging his knee with our first so that was helpful) but it actually got us into a better routine a lot quicker. We ended up naturally dividing jobs around the house (expect it to be a while before your house is tidy again lol) and looking after DD. All I can say is try to rest as much as possible which is easier said than done I know but it will make a difference.

Set yourself up on the sofa with DC and encourage reading, playing you can sit down with minimal movement or cuddling up with a movie, get DC involved, our DD became 'head nappy helper' and she loved getting the nappies and setting it all up for me, we turned it into a game.
'sergeant DD we have a code red, we need nappies and wipes stat!'

Keep up with painkillers and drink lots of water oh and a v pillow, really helped to take pressure off my scar when feeding baby and saved my back too.

Congratulations and I wish you a super speedy recovery

3rd C secrion 5 weeks ago...Get a step for your toddler to climb up on things so you dont have to lift them, i used the toilet training step and he would carry it around so he could climb onto our bed or the sofa without my help or just a hand to steady. A grabber stick, likes those ones you collect rubbish with so you dont have to bend to pick things up. By your bed have the phone, remotes, tablet, all those (things) you need but have to get up to go and get. Netflicks... have loads of fun films and kids shows to watch at the press of a button, also helps to spend special times with the older one when baby is there. My next to me cot was a god send didnt have to move from bed to get baby. Snacks! Lots of snacks! And a coffee machine! also if it helps my section this time was amazing! They did the cut further up i had no pain and was home 24 hours later! I hope you get a good one too! Good luck xxx

I had a c section 8 months ago (was induced but I think the doctor realized I am not for normal one so he advised to go for c section rather than emc later on if I gave up). This was my 2nd c section so I was prepared what it would be like + my DD(9 yers old, yes thats a huge gap) was a big help. You must stack freezer with at least 1 week food (sadly I didn't thinking I would be fine but forgetting I would be struggling for free time). Be careful with bath, plz ensure you completely dry the area. I took it too casually and ended up in sleeping with the scar uncovered for few days to allow some air so that it dries fast.

Most important bit - nothing is permanent, life will b better soon. At 8 months, I still keep reminding myself this and it helps a lot ( to stay positive amidst sleepless nights, latching issues, babies weight, 24x7 just looking after baby, feeling exhausted, pumping sessions, no time for yourself, feeling home arrested and the list is endless)

But in the end it's all worth for the most precious and adorable life that you are gonna bring to this world.

I was in same boat as you with newborn and a 18 month old. Second time was a planned section. A few thoughts from me - it's sooo much easier second time as planned is done with lore care. I was up and down stairs carrying the baby on second night home from hospital as my husband had flu.

In terms of preparation - write a schedule for paracetamol and ibuprofen on a 24 hour cycle and set alarms in your phone and don't forget to take them. I did that for at least three weeks and didn't have any pain. You have to keep on top of this as if you kiss one you start to feel dreadful.

Stop lifting your two year old now! They need to get used to you not lifting them ASAP as you don't want them to resent the baby. I put a little box next to sofa so my 18 month old could climb up onto my lap.

Lower your standards. Cebeebies is fine!! Buy some new toys to distract your child. Set up a little table next to the sofa where two year old can do colouring and playdough and you can just sit with new baby.

Don't stress. Newborns are sooooo much easier to look after than toddler. They just sleep. Make sure you have Moses basket somewhere easy and secure as tow year old may be tempted to pull etc to look at baby.

You will be fine I promise. I was fully recovered after three or four weeks.

One other idea - could you get your husband to make a pack lunch for you both night before so you have a lunchbox for your two year old to eat from. Will feel exciting to them and nice and easy for you. Plus means you don't forget to eat!