Realistic Recovery After Elective Cesarean

[allyac]

I would like to hear how your recovery was after an elective cesarean - especially if you have a toddler at home. Thanks!

I've had two elective c-sections and I actually recovered quicker from my second even with a 2 and a half year old in tow. Obviously you're sore for the first week or so and you aren't really supposed to lift anything but I was amazed by how quickly I felt 'OK.' Don't get me wrong you'll need to rest a lot and even the most minor thing feels like a lot of effort but as long as you're sensible it's really not bad at all. Just accept help from everyone. My husband did all the nappy changes, cooking, cleaning and took my toddler out so I could focus on skin to skin and breastfeeding (if that's what you want to do) but it really won't be awful I promise!

I had an ELCS with DD2. DD1 was 2yr 2m old and had been an EMCS. Not sure what you want to hear but were at home 25hrs later, I was driving after five weeks, and I took it easy the first few weeks to make sure I recovered. That said I was up and about 5hrs after the op and keen for the cannula and catheter to be gone!

When mine were born you actually stayed in hospital for 5 days, I would take that as completely resting for 5 days then light baby related only up to the 2 week mark. Some women recover quicker but 2 weeks is about normal after which most are home alone with the kids.

I had an ELCS in November. My advice would be not to worry how long it takes everyone else, but listen to your body. Don't rush it at all because you don't want to end up with an infection. Instead, rest as much as you can for the first few weeks. Take your time.

This is really good advice, thank you! I am 4 weeks post EMCS and have been obsessing over anecdotal recovery times and wondering why I was still sore. My recovery has been very gradual... I can see how far I have come week by week but it's hard to see the progress each day. I was hoping/expecting to be 'fine' by now based on others experience but I should stop comparing shouldnt I:)

@PolkaDots12 absolutely! I spent the first few weeks of my recovery doing exactly the same and wondering why I couldn't do certain things yet. You've just had a massive operation and your body needs rest, so let it!

I felt normal after about 2 weeks but had to be careful not to overdo it with lifting and bending - dh had to do all the washing and lifting stuff (we didn’t have a toddler, our eldest was 10 so she helped as well!) The worst part for me was being unable to drive for 6 weeks ish. I was so bored! But overall I felt recovery was much better than from my previous traumatic and difficult vaginal birth. At least I could sit comfortably!

I recovered well both times, second time I got a little bit of irritation (mainly as I then had an overhang which DOES NOT HELP arg) so the actual scar was more sensitive. First was an emergency but second was elective.

I was driving at 4 weeks after the first and 3 weeks after the second, check your insurance though!