C section with toddler - recovery tips please!

I had 3. 2 emergency first and last, and my middle was elective. That was the easiest one I feel. But between my 2nd and 3rd was a week over 2 years. It was fine for me, honestly. Depends on how clingy your toddler is

I'm nervous about this too, my son will be 25 months, I'm opting for an elective because I know if I ended up having to have an emergency c section the recovery would be worse. I'm also having twins and there's too much risk of uterine rupture for me to feel comfortable trying a VBAC.

Honestly don’t no if It was just me but second time around recovery was so much quicker and easier, with my first I needed the whole 6 weeks to recover if not more on my 2nd literally 10 days and I was ok he is now 11 weeks. Just take all the help you can get for the first week or two as it is hard with 2 xx

Definitely ask for/ accept as much help as possible. Also find positions you can cuddle toddler in without lifting them or having them close to scar. Like next to you on sofa/ bed… I had a chair in my toddlers room and he used that to climb on change table and into his bed, so I didn’t have to lift him. We talked about mummy not being allowed to lift him. I even showed him my scar. I probably still lifted him a bit too early, but definitely not in first few weeks. I sometimes put a cushion between us if I was nervous about him kicking my scar by wriggling too much laying next to me. It definitely needs thought but I also recovered quicker second time

I had an emergancy with my First and a elective with my Second and I would say the recovery time is so much faster than the first time - I have a 15 months old and 3 month old and at first it was hard but once u get in a routine with them both it’s so much easier

Accept as much help as possible! My toddler is the same age, and also very cuddly. She also isn’t walking fully yet so needs lifting constantly. I’m 16 days PP and, while recovery has been MUCH easier the second time round, I haven’t lifted her. I’ve popped a stitch and had a slight opening in my wound from doing too much bending when doing housework so I’m not risking lifting her and prolonging recovery further. My husband has done all of the lifting etc with my toddler while I recover so that I can get back to normal quicker and be with her more! I’m hoping by around week 4 or so I’ll be able to lift her. We’ve done light play activities like play doh, sand in the garden etc which has meant I can still play with her!

same here. i’m twins will be 18 MONTHS when my baby is born. i have no clue how im going to managed to clingy toddlers while strictly wanting to breast feed and pump for this baby. as well as choosing the c-section route since i already had one with the twins prior. i’m so scared..

i totally get that! my second was born when my first was just over 2 years old, and honestly, it was a bit of a juggling act, but we made it work. maybe try to set up a little "helper" role for your toddler so they feel involved, and don't hesitate to lean on family or friends for some extra hands during those first few weeks! 😊 I actually checked the 'Heal App' for this and here’s what it says: "It's completely understandable to feel concerned about managing recovery after a cesarean section while caring for a toddler. Here are two key tips: 1. Plan for Help: Arrange for support from family or friends during your recovery. Having someone to help with your toddler can allow you to focus on healing without feeling overwhelmed. 2. Set Up a Safe Play Area: Create a designated space where your toddler can play safely and independently. This can help keep them engaged while you rest and recover.