Heavy lifting after c-section???

Question

My baby is currently 3 weeks old, and I was told by my doctor to pretty much be on bed rest for 6 weeks after baby’s birth (because I had a c-section) ....no driving,no lifting anything heavier than my newborn,no exercising, or going anywhere other  than appointments 
BUT, I have two other kids who are 1 and 3, and I have no family nearby to help other than my husband and he had to return to work 5 days after the baby was born and works 12 hour shifts...my immediate family came into town while I was having my baby but they had to go back home 3 days after I gave birth due to work, and ever since I was discharged I’ve been driving, lifting my other kids, grocery shopping, and pretty much doing everything the doctor said not to because I have no choice. With no help, and no reliable friends, I still have to do for my baby/ other kids (toddlers) and household...
I’m afraid I’m not healing properly as I’ve been having mild to medium discomfort where my incision is. And it’s tender feeling when I touch it... 
Any other moms in the same situation? How are you managing? Will I possibly have complications? I have less than 3 weeks before I have to return to work and I’m afraid I won’t be ready as my job is not a sit-down in the air or office job and does require mild to hard labor and outside duties....

Answer

I have 4 kids and my last 2 were c sections. I would help boost my toddler into her crib at nap time only at 3 weeks. Diaper changes I did on the floor, no carrying my kids upstairs or lifting into the car etc. Groceries I had my husband do for me except running to the store for small things and carry light bags only. By 4 or 5 weeks I was kinda back to normal and could do what I was able to do while pregnant  (obviously don't lift something very heavy like a water bottle case etc). I would just ask myself "is this something I MUST do, or can my husband do it when he gets home". It's hard to feel useless when you're used to being a worker bee, but really try to take it easy and do the bare minimum.

Answer

I’ll be having my third c-section in 2 weeks and I have a toddler and older child. I know how hard it is not to lift your children. I also had spine surgery last year and could not lift my toddler for at least 6 weeks as well. It was difficult, but was able to not do so. You really need to let your body rest. C-sections are major surgery and lifting heavy things can definitely cause complications as well as infections. How much do your other children weigh?

Answer

Do you have to return to work before your 6 week check up? Bc if you do I would suggest calling your doctor and seeing if you can see them before because of the pain you have been having. They really need to make sure that nothing has torn internally. Can you get some step stools for the older kiddos to use to get into and out of the car for example so you have to lift them less?

Answer

I just had my second c-section, I’m 12 days pp and I’m doing everything that I was doing before. I am in the exact same situation my son is 3 and my husband works long crazy hours and can’t always help me do things. I have no family or friends to really help me with anything, but I cannot put my life and other child on hold because of the new baby. I have things that need to be done, I feel fine other than mild cramping my doctor knows and she’s completely fine with me doing things. The key is to take breaks and if you can’t do it don’t. Wait until you can actually get some help.

Heavy lifting after c-section???

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