TODDLER TIPS Post C-section

Really take it easy. If you can have a good friend or family member to come and stay with you for a week or so when you first come home, that would be the biggest help. I had two sections and I really appreciated having the help around, especially since after my first one (an emergency). I had two toddler boys and I was a complete wreck with depression.

Try not to pick her up if possible. With my boys wanting to be held all the time, I'd sit on the couch (they could climb up by themselves so I didn't have to pick them up) and then they could cuddle with me. If any needed changing, I would do it on the couch (I had big waterproof pad to lay under them). The one time I did it on the floor, I had trouble getting up.

you can hire a postpartum doula to help you during your recovery, it will help with the baby, siblings, home care etc. http://doula4moms.wordpress.com/ more info

No you aren't stressing over nothing. A cesarean is a huge big deal... it's major abdominal surgery that destroys your core muscles. I'm sure you know of many of the complications... infection, tunneling infection, separation of the wound and even disembowelment. Not fun stuff.

Are you sure your cesarean is necessary? VBACs are very safe - if done with a Midwife, since they actively help and support - while OBs make you do the same things that impeded your last child birth.

Maybe you can hire a postpartum doula - they come to your house and help with chores and such.

I came home alone - a single Mother - after my fear induced and completely caused by intervention 'emergency' cesarean. I ended up back in the hospital twice for complications with the cesarean wound, because I had no one to help me.

I'm a Nurse and went back and read my chart... so yes, I KNOW it was only due to the unnecessary interventions. Too bad I became educated about Midwives, hospital policies, the indecently high cesarean rates in America, etc AFTER my traumatic first birth.

My first was 17 months when our second was born. I had c-sections with both, I would have our son climb on the couch and change him there, I didn't have to worry about sitting on the floor and getting back up or putting him on the changing table. I was one of those that Lena C. was talking about...my scar came back open, got infected, and it was horrible.

After both my c/s, my mom stayed with me. It really helped, esp after my 2nd was born! Either she or my DH changed ODS's diapers (he was 28 months) as much as possible in the first couple weeks. If you do change any diapers, I would have her climb on the couch or bed so you don't have to lift her. Take it easy and don't push yourself. A friend of mine had a son about your daughters age when she had twins (one born vaginally, the other an emergency c/s). She ended up with a hernia b/c she did too much too soon. Have DH help as much as possible when he's there. You're not stressing over nothing, it's good to have an idea of how you're going to do things once you get home with your new LO. Congrats on the new baby!

I had my 4th C Section a week before thrid child turned 18 months. I didn't change any of the older childs diapers for the first week. She was also into kicking and I couldn't risk her kicking me and hurting me. My husband was home for the first couple of days after I came home, then my mom and MIL took turns staying with me during the day until he got home from work. When I changed the baby's diapers though, I always sat on the floor. It was easier than carrying him upstairs to the changing table. I didn't have any trouble gettin up and down from the floor, I just had to take my time and make sure I had everything ready before I sat down.

After that first week or so when I started back with the older one, I had to lay her on the floor in front of me sideways. I put one leg over her shoulder/chest area. I NEVER put any weight on her, just sort of blocked her from being able to roll over and get away from me while I was changing her. That worked for me. That is also what I had to do with her when I was still pregnant and she wanted to kick and squirm. I didn't want to take the chance of her kicking my belly.

Tell her... to climb up on the/your bed herself... and change her there. OR change her on a sofa.... have her climb up onto it by herself. She can.

I have had 2 c-sections.
I was in the hospital for 3 days.

Also explain, that you cannot carry her....
And when your Husband is around, he HAS to help....and change diapers and vacuum, going grocery shopping, and whatever else.

Post-surgery... I hope someone will be home with you?
For me, my Hubby was home for the first week after I came home, then my Mom was home with me for the following week. So I had 2 weeks of help.

You will ALSO need to go for a follow-up Doctor's appointment post-surgery... so figure out how you will do that, per also having your newborn with you and your 18 month old... you will need help, to go to your appointment.
AND you will have Newborn check-ups too... to go to....

A c-section, says 6-weeks post-surgery, is the typical time for healing... and being careful with lifting heavy things and strenuous activities. For me, my Doctor said do NOT lift anything, heavier than my newborn...

Oh, I ALSO found that having a Boppy Pillow for nursing, was REALLY great! I would get one. It will add support to your tummy too.

all the best,
Susan

Well you're not stressing over nothing, but I will say it was easier than I thought! Hopefully you'll have help for the first few days at home b/c you will be in pain and taking pain medicine regularly! Otherwise I would say do it where you are, on the couch or bed is probably easier. If she can climb up there that would be better but lifting her onto the bed and putting her down isn't going to ruin you. Is this your first or second c-section? I felt it was much easier/faster recovery on the second, probably b/c I knew what to expect, even though they were both planned, but if it's your first it may throw you for a loop! It will be hard to stand up from the couch, rolling over is a nightmare and getting up from the bed is just plain pathetic! ;) It will be okay though and by 2 weeks post surgery you really will feel A LOT better!

If someone can help you for at least 2 weeks after the surgery, that's ideal. And for a few months at least, I suggest changing your toddler on the bed if you can't do the floor.

Good luck!

i put steps up to the changing table, but mine was almost 3.

I changed mine(he was 23 months) on the floor after my 2nd section. Please take it easy, i have heard of so many stories of moms overdoing it and the scar coming apart.