If you have had multiple c-sections

How hard was it to care for your older child or children during the first few weeks post surgery? DD will be just over 3 years old when I have the baby. My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, and the following Monday, (5 days later) I plan to walk her to and from pre-school which is 0.7 miles each way. Pushing her in a stroller. Am I totally delusional to think I'll be able to do that so soon? Should I start looking for help?

Also, I'm trying to start planning for other things that might be difficult. We're transitioning to a big bed now so that I won't have to pick her up out of her crib. Should I start trying to get her to take showers too? Someone told me I probably won't be able to bed over a tub. Any other tips are greatly appreciated!

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

My DD was 2 1/2 when my baby was born. 5 days is tough...I thought it took about 2 weeks before I was able to go any real distance. Also - would it just be your older daughter - because pushing a double stroller takes a bit more than a single. We transitioned to a bed about 3 months before the baby and it actually went really well. It was tough for a night or two - but after that - no issue at all. We bought sheets and a bedspread that she really liked and it did the trick. Good luck! Best thing about having two is that my now 3 year old entertains her sister all day long - much easier!

If you have had multiple c-sections

I have only had one csection, but 8 remember taking walks with DH and the baby in the days after I got home from the hospital, and I definitely don't think I could have handled .7 miles pushing a stroller by myself. I would only make it maybe a block or so, with DH pushing the stroller, and that was at a snails pace. Definitely a good idea about switching to a bed and showers. I'm expecting a second csection when dd will be 3.5, and I switched to both of those things.

Good luck! Try not to push yourself too hard! Its great for recovery to walk a little, but don't force yourself to go that far if you're not feeling up to it.

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

I had 2 C-Sections. My DD was 3 yrs 3 months when I had my DS. I "helped" my DH give her a bath after I came home from the hospital. Her other baths I did by myself. I just had her step into and out if the tub while I held onto her. It really wasn't to terrible to care for both DD and DS. But I must say, walks were tough because I felt so out of shape and was so tired. It took me a while to feel good on a walk especially while pushing the stroller. My DD was in a full sized bed for a year by the time I had DS so I didn't have to worry about that. I also let her eat at the coffee table seated in a kid sized chair so I didn't have to lift her into her booster seat at the dining room table. She was also pretty independent in dressing and toileting.

If you have had multiple c-sections

My 2nd c-section was much easier than the first (dd1 was just over 2 yrs old at the time) I was fine by the time I got home I didn't even fill my prescription meds. DH went back to work and I was good with dd. That being said every situation is different, I'd have a backup just in case or worst case scenario she skips one day of school.

If you have had multiple c-sections

Also I wouldn't worry about the bath/shower thing. Just have your dd step out if the tub while you hold her hand that's what I did. We also transitioned to a big girl bed beforehand because we needed the crib for the baby

If you have had multiple c-sections

I only had 1 but I remember being excited that I was able to walk 1/4 mile at 12 days postpartum. I could barely move after 5 days. I think I wasn't even discharged from the hospital until 5 days.

My DD was only 18 months at the time so still in her crib. DH handled taking her in and out as well as baths for at least 5 weeks.

If you have had multiple c-sections

My DD was 20mths old when I had my second section with my son. At 5 days post partum I would not have been able to walk/pushing a stroller. My husband handled all the lifting in and out of the crib and baths for a couple weeks until he went back to work. I had a horrible recovery after my first (with incision opening up which required wound packing for 6wks) we were not taking any chances. I will have my 3rd section in March and I will try my best to let my DH and family do a lot of the heavy work around the house. As a mom it's hard to not try and not do everything but it really is best to not push it. I remember crying hysterical that I couldn't get my DD out of her crib after her nap but time went quick and before I knew it I was back doing everything again

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

I think you could do it by two or three weeks post partum, but not at five days. I did not get out of the hospital until four days after delivery from a repeat c/s. There was no way I was pushing or even really lifting a double stroller plus two kids five days post c./s. You are not supposed to do such heavy lifting or you could bust open the sutures.

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

I've had 2 sections. My second recovery was actually easier than my first. My second section was 19 months after my first and within a few days of being home I went on daily walks that were about a mile with the stroller. Hoping I feel as good after my next c-section.

Eta: I probably would have a backup plan in case you're not feeling up to the walk and if you need help caring for older child. I would not have been able to take long walks after my first c-section within days of having it. You never know how your recovery will be.

Message edited 11/27/2015 10:34:19 PM.

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

My boys were 3.5 years apart. My second recovery was easier, but I'm not sure I could walk too far at 5 days PP. I remember being able to walk once around the hospital corridor, but that was about all I could handle before being uncomfortable. I'd play it by ear and have a backup plan.

If you have had multiple c-sections

I think it all depends on how you heal. My csection with DS I would have been able to do it. I had zero pain and was doing normal things right away.

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

Every csec is different. My first was a breeze. My 2nd was a nightmare. The surgery itself was more complicated because I had a cyst and had a lot of scar tissue. I was by myself with 2 small kids after 4 days. I did way too much. 9 days after my csec I tore myself incision open. The burning and the pain was so intense. I don't think this will happen to you walking a baby in a stroller. But remember csec is still major surgery. So try not lift that infant car seat in and out of the stroller too much. Don't pick up your older one no matter how much guilt you feel.

At 3 you could give her showers. By 3 my girls could sorta shampoo their hair. I would pour the shampoo on their head and let them do most of the rubbing. Than I'd rinse it. Let her do as many "big girl" things as she can. Just hold her hands getting out of the tub. I would try to do a toddler bed or a big girl bed before the baby comes. You won't be able to lift a 3 year old out of the crib.

Message edited 11/28/2015 1:03:13 PM.

If you have had multiple c-sections

I only had one cs with my second. She was in the nicu so i was walking back and forth by the second day and my recovery started out great. I did stay in the hospital for the full 5 days to be with dd and by discharge they were yelling at me for speedwalking around. Then at discharge they took out my staples and my incision started bleeding within a few hours. They had to open part of it and use silver nitrate or something. After that I was in a lot of pain again by the time I actually got home. It was a few weeks before I could make it to the end of the day without getting sore.

All that said, hopefully you'll have an easy time but I would have a back up plan just in case. My one recommendation would be to have one or two of those folding step stools. Not being able to lift my 2.5yo was hard but that helped, She would bring it to the changing table too see better or the sink to help with baths, etc. It helped her feel more involved and helped me keep her independent in the mean time.

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

Having had 2 csections I would say could you and should you are two different things. Depending on your pain tolerance, recovery etc you might very well be able to do the walk. The concern I see....is the pushing lifting. I was told to lift nothing heavier than the baby for at least 2-3 weeks. Car seat is heavier than that. What about the stroller? Do you have to lift it at all? Pushing it is a bad idea but, lifting it would be worse. I delivered in the city not out here. My OB said people feel good sometimes and forget their restrictions. I see people worrying about the external stitches but don't forget the internal ones you can't see. I was told no housework for at least 2 weeks. I would get the help. A three year old is not very light to push, especially with a baby. If you feel great you can do the walk slowly with your helper, just not lift or push the stroller.

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

I arranged to have help for just over 3 solid weeks. I felt ok but was not going to risk any issues. Once I was on my own (3.5 weeks) I felt well and fully recovered. Our families felt strongly about me taking it easy for the first month. Try to get as much help as you can

I think you Should have someone walk your DC to school each day and help with her if you don't have family help.

Message edited 11/28/2015 6:55:12 PM.

If you have had multiple c-sections

Like others said, I recovered extremely quickly from my 2nd c-section. By the time I got home from the hospital, I just took Alleve liquigels (no prescription pain killers) and I was able to do some of the things I had done before except lift DDs who weighed about 25lbs. I was able to sleep in my bed and get out of bed without help, too. (I had to sleep in a reclining chair for at least 3 weeks after DDs) I drove earlier, too. I did have DH home with me though. He was a huge help with bathing the girls and lifting stuff for me.

If you have had multiple c-sections

My DD was a little over a month shy of 2 years. While in the hospital I think I missed her than she missed me. Once we were home of course she was a tad jealous and wanted to be picked up all the time. To be honest I felt well enough to hold her. Had easy postpartum period as far as pain during the first week or so. After a while I was overdoing since I had to take the prescription my OB gave me upon leaving the hospital. DH was a huge help since he had the first 2 weeks off it and DS was in the NICU for the first week of his life but not to bad.

If you have had multiple c-sections

No I would not try to do it...what if you get halfway there, and you're in extreme pain? Or you can't make it home? Will you have the baby with you also, because that is extra weight with baby and car seat.

Moms are always trying to do too much too soon. You just had a baby. Let your body recover and only do what's absolutely necessary. If you have help, use it!!

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

I just had my second c section 2 weeks ago. I also have a 2.5 year old at home. My recovery this time has been much easier and I feel like I can do things sooner. However, I am not 100% by any means and I would definitely not walk the distance you want to do to bring your older child to school. I feel like that would be pushing it. I would get help if you can.

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

I had one but it was with my 2nd child. My DS was almost 3 when my DD was bor. When I first got home I was in a lot of pain and was thankful DH took off from work to help out with DS and keep him occupied, etc. I was OK after about a week but it was still a bit hard to lift him.

Re: If you have had multiple c-sections

Thanks for all of the replies. I guess I'll probably have to find help, or have her miss a few days. While the trip is .7 each way, I do it 4x a day so it ends up being around 3.5 miles a day.