C Section

Hi K., I had two C-Sections but mind you family and house keepers but I would say when you feel like that motion of the vacuum don't feel like it is pulling on that region then it is probably okay. Just do one room a day if it is necessary to do it at all. A.
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I had my c section 6 and a half years ago so I don't remember the time frame well- but I know it hurt and itched and was uncomfortable for a long time. Hope you feel better soon!

K., my doctor told me not to do anything strenous (and he rated vacumming and washing mirror in with that - it was the stretching and reaching that he didn't want me to do) for six weeks after both of my c-secs. If you are still tender then DON'T overdo it. Some women heal faster than others. I was still hurting after the six weeks (with the first c-sec0 but I tried to do stuff. I ended up feeling worse and stretching the incision. I had a really nasty scar and it made the healing time much longer. My doctor fixed it with my second section, but I had to deal with the itching, pain and numbness it caused for three years until I had my second child. I was much more careful with myself after my second and it took me two and a half months to heal instead of the six months it ended up taking with my first child. If you hurt then listen to your body and stop what you are doing. Just be carful!

I had a c section also 3 weeks ago. I would check with the doctor first. But I had clearance to drive this past Monday. As for the rest of everything, he said I could do as I felt that I could without stressing my self or body out. I pick one thing and try it. If I don't hurt then or later, I add it back to what I can do. As long as you are not trying to pick-up anything heavy they soreness will get better. As for the itching, that has driven me crazy too. I have found that using Avenno Skin relief shower gel has helped a lot. We use it for other itchy stuff!! If it gets really bad, call the doctor.

Hi K.! I had a c-section 2 1/2 years ago with my son and I was doing laundry, cleaning house, driving, etc. a week after I got home. However, I was also 23 when I had my son ( so I don't think my repeat c-section will go as great!). Considering your age, it might take you a while longer to heal (everyone heals at their own pace). I would just enjoy not having to do the cleaning! LOL! j/k!

I am 33 and had my first child last January and it was a c-section. I did too much too soon and ending up tearing my incision and having to get this "drainage gauze" inserted into my incision every 2 days (gross, I know). Now I wish I would have just not worried so much about the laundry and house and enjoyed my time off in the "lived in" house! So if I were you, I would either live with a little dirt for a few more weeks (at least 6 from delivery date)or call upon a friend/family member/husband to help. I still have phantom pains and some numbness around my incision as well as ocassional itching and have found out from others that it may always be that way, partially b/c I did injure the incision.

Good luck and take care!

Hi! I also had a lot of pain after my c-section. I couldn't do much of anything but cry and lay around for about 2 weeks... then someone MADE me walk up and down stairs. I think after about week 4 or 5 I started doing little household things. I had my baby 27 months ago and I just have abdomen pains if I twist or do something with a different muscle. I don't think my muscles will ever be the same again. :) I don't think it has anything to do with age or how physically fit you are. Maybe how the hospital treats a c-section maybe. I know my nurses didn't have me walking or anything before I left the hospital. As for exercising, at my 6 weeks followup she released me to do exercising, so I'd make sure the dr. said it was ok!

I can't remember when I started cleaning and all of that stuff, but I did really well after my c-section. I wanted to respond about your skin itching......my son is 14 months, and my skin STILL itches every once in a while. My friends have just gotten used to me saying "excuse me" and scratching my lower abdomen! :-)

I had an emergency c-section about 2 and a half years ago. The doctor told me not to drive for at least 2 weeks and not to exercise for at least 6 weeks. I didn't feel back to my normal self until about 6 months! So, as long as you wait until the doctor gives you the all clear that is good, but you may not feel up to it for much longer. Your body will let you know when you are ready. I wore my maternity pants for awhile because they were loose and comfy. Also, if you wear one of those tummy braces, that is helpful.

Hey K.. I was 17 when I had my son, it to was a c-section. I itched and was sore for about 1 month. at first I couldn't even get up to get my son during the night, Drs orders not to. I would wait until you feel Comfortable about doing these things. It took me about 2 weeks before I could start doing anything. it hurt still, but my son is 13 months now and it still hurts to do things.

Depending on your situation and what your doctor says:
You should be able to drive after 2 weeks of having surgery, usually 6 weeks after surgery for light/moderate exercise. I waited 4 months before vaccuming but that's only b/c the nurse practictioner at my ob office said I wasn't suppose to for 1 whole year! I personally could not go a whole year without vacuuming - I waited as long as I could. I've not had any problems (at least none that I know of).

With itchy skin: try keeping it moisturized (lotion) and drinking plenty of water. Part of the itching to is the feeling coming back into the nerves that were cut for the c-section. It'll get better soon! :)

Congratulations on the birth of your baby boy!

~A. C

I would say hold off on the full blown exercising just yet. House work should be fine, as long as you feel comfortable doing it. Don't over do it though....you did just have major abd. surgery. Driving is fine, as long as you can press the brake firmly and look over both shoulders without discomfort.

Congrats on your new addition!

K.:
I think you should do what you feel you are able to do. I don't see anything wrong with doing a little light cleaning around the house, just make sure you don't overdo it. Listen to your body, and ask your husband or a friend for help if you need to. I had a c-section too, and about a month later, I wanted to start getting around and doing things too. Just take your time and get lots of rest in between. I had my baby two years ago, and my cut still bothers me if I move a certain way. The doctor told me it is still healing. You can't let that stop you.

Congratulations.... I am also 37 and had my second child in Nov..little boy and my first is a 7 yr old girl. This one was my first with a c-secton too.. the doctors will tell you 6 weeks. I felt much better after about 2 or three weeks and did pretty much everything except vaccum. When I went for my check up he said I had a little tear in my incestion internally from doing to much pulling and lifting....so just be careful!!

M.