Most doctors suggest not lifting your toddler or anything heavy for at least the first week or two after birth.
Use a nursing pillow.
You don't need to be breastfeeding to benefit from a nursing pillow after a C-section. Nursing pillows allow you to prop your baby up above your incision, therefore minimizing the pressure on your abdomen.
And, most obstetricians and gynecologists highly recommend that moms don't lift anything heavier than their baby for 4-6 weeks or until they've completely healed. Essentially, that means absolutely no lugging around a car seat!
As a cesarean section is an abdominal surgery, your doctor will likely advise you to not lift anything over 8-10 lbs, depending on the doctor as well as the details regarding your cesarean and your personal health. Lifting restrictions typically last anywhere from 6-8 weeks.
Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first 6 to 8 weeks.
Women who've given birth via C-section have a few extra obstacles to clear, as they heal from abdominal surgery. Most doctors recommend that C-section patients not lift anything heavier than their baby (or 10 pounds) for the first three weeks, which may prove difficult when there is an older child at home.
Lifting more than your baby, stretching, straining and deep bending are not recommended until about 4-6 weeks post-delivery OR until you are able to do these movements with no pain or strain and your incision feels like it has healed.
Most doctors suggest not lifting your toddler or anything heavy for at least the first week or two after birth.
Increased bleeding after your lochia starts to decrease can be a sign you're overdoing it and need more rest. Seeing ongoing clots could mean your uterus is having trouble getting back to its pre-pregnancy size. In either case, it's always best to call.
Things to Avoid: Sexual intercourse until your health care provider tells you that it is safe. The use of tampons or douche. Taking baths until your incision is healed and you are no longer bleeding.
Position Your Carrier High, Above Your Scar
The most tender area after having a C-Section will likely be at your abdomen, right near your scar, so it's important to wrap your carrier so that it sits above your stomach (it shouldn't touch the recovering wound area).
You'll be instructed not to lift anything heavier than your baby for up to eight weeks after your C-section, and bending over will likely still be difficult.
Also note that getting a stroller in/out of the car may not be ok until 8 weeks or so, but pushing a stroller on flat ground may be ok as soon as you can walk a ½ mile comfortably without pain meds.
In most cases, you'll recover easily and quickly (within 6 to 8 weeks) and have just a small scar. Sometimes, you can do everything right and still have complications.
Since you'll receive two incisions — one in your abdomen and one in your uterus — your surgeon will close both incisions.
Recovering from a C-section requires that you give yourself space and time needed to heal properly. This also means that some activities and behaviors may need to be avoided or adjusted until you're at least 6 weeks postpartum, you're fully healed, or your doctor has confirmed it's OK to do so. Avoid: stomach sleeping.
“It's recommended that you get up and walk around,” says Dr. Higgins. “We don't want someone lying in bed for two weeks.”
How long does it take to recover after a c-section? It usually takes about 6 weeks to recover from your c-section but this will depend on your individual situation. If you had any problems during or after your c-section, or if you're looking after other children at home, you may feel you need more time to recover.
Gentle exercises for the first six weeks
High-impact exercise, tummy-toning workouts, and full-blown cardio are definite no-no's for the first six weeks after a C-section delivery.
After a C-section it is important to allow core and pelvic floor recovery: Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby, and get help wherever possible. Roll on to your side when lying down before sitting up. Rest horizontally as much as possible.
Doctors, traditionally, have advised women to avoid stairs after a C-section. But Kathryn Houston, a clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco, shrugs off that recommendation. “Stairs are fine as long as you take them slowly,” she says.
After a C-section, she recommends women take eight weeks off and to avoid heavy activity to prevent complications.
Women should walk for about 20 minutes at a moderate pace to increase circulation and speed up healing. Fit mothers recover quickly and can be back on their feet in a matter of weeks. Walking after a cesarean delivery is regarded as an important part of recovery exercise.
1 day later: You'll be encouraged to walk around within the first 12 hours after delivery to help relieve gas buildup in the abdomen, and to eat something light as soon as you feel able.
Ask your doctor when it's fine to exercise, go back to work, and drive. Also wait to have sex or use tampons until your doctor gives you the green light. Avoid strenuous exercise, but do take gentle walks as often as you can. The movement will help your body heal and prevent constipation and blood clots.