Lifting Toddler After C Section can pose a serious risk to your health if done incorrectly.
In this short article, we will reveal the truth and provide 5 smart ways to avoid any long term pain or health issues.
Giving birth is a life-changing experience, but it can get quite complicated.
Healing time varies from woman to woman, whether it was through C-section procedure or not.
The C-section is major abdominal surgery. It can pose serious recovery challenges, especially if you’re also taking care of a toddler.
Is there a safe way to do it, or will lifting toddler after C-section leaves you at risk of not healing properly?
Here’s all the information you need to know.
How soon can you a toddler after C-section?
One thing that you need to keep in mind is that recovering from internal stitches pain after c section takes time and can be very limiting for you.
You need to make sure that anything you do doesn’t hamper the healing process so that your body can go back to normal as soon as possible.
Your doctor will most likely advise you not to lift anything heavier than your baby for the first three weeks after giving birth when it comes to lifting.
It is to give yourself time to heal properly and prevent your C-section incision from tearing.
If your scars heal well, it can also reduce the chances of your C-section scar burning years later.
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Lifting Toddler After C Section – Do’s and Don’ts
Lifting a toddler so soon after C-section may be frowned upon, but if you can’t avoid it, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Do watch your posture when lifting your toddler not to put any strain on your healing abdominal muscles. Avoid lifting from a lying or seated down position. Instead, put your toddler in a safe place, stand up, and then lift your child from this position.
- If you need to lift your baby for bath time or playtime, do ask for help from everyone around you. You can also limit the area around them using childproof gates so that it makes it easier for you to keep track of their movements. If you usually lift your young baby to reach something, consider getting step stools for them for the first few weeks as you recover from your C-section.
- After C-section, taking care of a toddler is no easy feat, so don’t feel bad when you can no longer play with as you used to as you heal. You can get seated play items, such as books and puzzles, that won’t require your toddler to move too much and allow you some rest.
- You don’t always have to lift a toddler to come to your level. Instead, you can teach them to climb to your lap carefully while you’re seated and limit your movements as much as possible.
- Don’t try to rush the C-section healing process. Take as much help as you can get at this time; rest as much as possible, and don’t stretch yourself too thin. Remember, there are two incisions made during C-section, which both take time to heal, though the internal incision that cuts into the uterus takes much longer.
While you may want to rest and heal up after C-section, sometimes it may not be possible when you also have a toddler in the house to take care of-once you know exactly what to and what not to do, lifting a toddler after C-section will no longer be a risk to your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Breastfeeding Position After C section?
A cesarean section may add a few common obstacles to successful breastfeeding.
There is a probability that you will find feeding your baby immediately after a C section uncomfortable and a little painful.
The best breastfeeding position should put the slightest pressure on your incision.
Many mothers prefer the side-lying position for the first few weeks after the surgery. Side-lying can be more comfortable than sitting while your baby feeds.
The football hold or the clutch position with your baby supported by a breastfeeding pillow is also a good position for mothers who have had a C section.
Hold the baby gently with their face facing upwards in your arms. The palm of your hand should support the baby’s neck- nestle your infant’s side closely against your side.
Make sure the baby’s legs and feet are under your arm. Slowly lift the little one to your breast.
Cradle or crossover hold with the help of a breastfeeding pillow on your lap is also an ideal breastfeeding position after a C section.
Give a try to any of these positions as you find the most comfortable fit for you and the baby. Additionally, try to use a belly band to take pressure off the incision.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From C-Section?
It takes approximately 6 weeks to recover from a cesarean section fully.
Soon after the surgery, you will head to a post-operative area where the medical caregivers monitor your bleeding, blood pressure and temperature.
The pain medication and the anesthesia typically wear off after 16-20 hours after the delivery, so you will likely feel a spike in pain.
If there will be no complications, you will move to the postpartum recovery unit for 3 to 4 days before heading home.
Give the incision proper care and during the second week, visit your healthcare provider, who will examine your incision.
Adequate care and heeding to your doctor’s instructions will have your body fully healed by the sixth week.
However, it may take a little longer if you had a problem during or after the c section or you’ve been taking care of other infants.
Consult your doctor if still there’s pain on the incision after the sixth week.
Can I Exercise After A C- Section?
Postnatal stretches can be helpful to loosen tight muscles, release tension, calm your nerves and gently restore strength in your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. However, exercises can be risky if your body hasn’t recovered from a c- section.
Give your body a minimal timeframe of six weeks to heal from the surgery.
Still, you shouldn’t resume the exercises without your doctor’s approval. Don’t rush back to your previous favorite physical activity- ease back into it.
Start with minimum pressure routines, especially for the abdominal wall muscles. If there is no pain, you can gradually return to more vigorous exercises.
How Should I Sleep After A C- Section?
It may be hard to rest properly during the early days with a newborn baby, especially finding an ideal sleeping position that doesn’t pressure your healing wound.
Sleeping on your back is the most preferred and comfortable sleeping position. There is minimal pressure on the incision.
The only downside of this position is the difficulty of getting out of bed. Roll onto your side with your knees bent and slowly push your body into a sitting place.
You should be in a fully upright position before standing up.
You may also consider sleeping on your side. There is minimum pressure on the incision site, and there is less strain when getting up.
Sleeping on your left side is more favorable as it gives you optimal blood flow and aids indigestion.
Using a pillow to support your abdomen and hips may be more comfortable.
Elevating your upper body with enough supportive pillows will be relatively comfortable as you recover.
Also, sleeping in an upright seated position for some time will make your job easier when breastfeeding or getting off from sleep.
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Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.