If you had a vaginal birth with little complications, you could lift your toddler within one to two weeks after delivery. With a cesarean or c-section birth, you must wait six weeks to lift your toddler or anything heavier than ten pounds. This is critical to your recovery.
No lifting more than the weight of your baby for the first 3-4 weeks. No high impact or running for 6 weeks.
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 weeks. If you have a toddler, squat, kneel down or let your toddler climb onto your lap if they need comforting, rather than lifting.
Lifting weights too soon, or trying to lift more than your body is ready to handle, can lead to injury. This might include lower back or elbow sprains and strains, as well as tendonitis. 6 "Lifting more than 15 to 20 pounds after a C-section could cause pressure on the incision or cause the incision to open," adds Dr.
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.
When Can I Start Bending After C -Section? As your body heals and the pain decreases when you move around, you can slowly try bending (between weeks 4 and 6). First, bend slowly up to a few inches and stand back up.
You'll experience soreness and swelling, and will be asked to keep your activity low until you fully recover – that means no chores! 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.
With a little one to care for and so much to do, you might be anxious to resume your normal daily activities. But it's important to listen to your body and not overdo physical activity. Avoid bending, stretching, or lifting — and don't carry anything heavier than your baby for the first four to six weeks.
While there is no strict limit on what you should lift, we recommend not lifting anything heavier that the baby for the first 2 weeks. Get help with the car seat, baby bag and other heavy equipment for the first 2 weeks.
If you're wondering, “when can I exercise after c-section?,” take heart: You won't have to wait too long. “A c-section is an abdominal surgery, so six weeks is the minimum you should wait,” says Nazneen Vasi, PT, a physical therapist and owner of Body Harmony Physical Therapy in New York City.
3 weeks post-cesarean delivery
After you've been home from the hospital for 3 weeks or so, you might be walking for up to 15 minutes, gradually building up the time if it feels good. Keep up your daily pelvic floor exercises too.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women take at least six weeks off work following childbirth.
Two weeks after a C-section
You're probably feeling much better! You might enjoy some light exercise such as yoga or walking. But don't push your body too hard, as you're still recovering.
Q: Can I still belly bind if I have a c-section? A: You can still receive belly binding if you have a c-section. We will wait until 4 – 6 weeks postpartum, based on your healing and recovery. The belly bind still has many benefits within the first three months.
“Stairs are fine as long as you take them slowly,” she says. “I don't tell people not to go upstairs. I don't want them running stairs as a workout. But most people have one to two flights of stairs, and as long as you take them slow, it's okay.
After a caesarean, you are not advised to sleep on your front. Your incision is across your abdomen, so putting pressure on it will be painful and risk interfering with healing. Usually, doctors recommend avoiding sleeping on your stomach for six weeks post-C-section or until you no longer have any pain.
After your C-section, you'll probably want to feel normal again and that includes driving. But, doctors typically recommend that you don't resume driving until your incision wound has completely healed. This is because if you brake suddenly in the car, it could cause discomfort and sharp pains.
C-Section Recovery Tip #6: Embrace the log roll.
To help, instead of sitting upright, make like a log and roll out of bed. First, gently roll to your side, bending your knees. Using your arms, carefully (and slowly!) push your body into a sitting position, keeping your abdomen relaxed as you make the move.
Avoid sleeping on your front after a c-section. This can put pressure on your c-section wound and the pain can keep you up or wake you up. Try sleeping on your side, back, on your back with your head elevated, or sat fully up, if no other position is comfortable.
With a cesarean birth, lifting too heavy too soon can cause your incision (either external or internal) to open, rupture, or cause other serious medical issues.
C-Section Recovery Red Flags
Persistent fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Severe abdominal pain. Heavy vaginal bleeding. Swollen legs, face or hands.
The swelling typically peaks 3 or 4 days after delivery. The hand will be tight in the morning and the ankles will be swollen late in the day; and it can be WORSE than during pregnancy. Overall, you should just get better. Each day should be better than the day before.