Any Advice for Recovery from a Second C-section?

I also had 2 c-sections, but I did not have any complications. For me, going into the 2nd one was a lot scarier. Just knowing what you're walking into, it's hard to stay calm.
One thing I did after both sections, was when I got home I wore a compression garment. They now sell many types of these. I just happend to have a pair of tight spandex "bike" shorts and I wore them constantly. They weren't too tight and they weren't uncomfortable, but having that compression againt my stomach helped.
Also, like a few other moms have said, be careful about what you lift. That is what is going to do the most damage.
Congrats and good luck!

My 2nd C was a breeze. I even had my tubes tied during.
After two weeks I felt awesome and had to remind myself I was still recovering.
You will be fine in the hospital, the nurses are always there if you need them, and even when you dont! ;)

Good luck. Try to relax and just think about that baby! Congrats!

Alone at the hospital? Don't worry, they'll be in to check on you every time you doze off-you'll be ready to walk home after day one just to get some rest. If you have help when you get home-that is the most important-just take care of yourself-and if someone offers to help shop, cook, clean or babysit-for the love of God, say yes!

I had my fourth c-section last year with an almost two year old at home. I stayed nights alone at the hospital and I have to tell you that it was so nice and peaceful. I sent my baby to the nursery during the night so I could rest and get a head start on recovery. It was sooo nice! Out of the four, it was the first time I did that. I'm sorry I didn't send my other three when I had them. Only other thing I can suggest is to accept offers of help from others. Wishing you a wonderful experience and speedy recovery!

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I had my 2nd in feb, and it's been 6 years between my kids. But this time was much easier because yoh kinda know what to expect. My hubs also stayed home with our son so I was alone, so take full advantage of the nursing staff! I was discharged the following night after my 2nd also.

I had two c-sections. 14 months apart. Second one was WAY easier. Keep up with the meds so the pain doesn't get ahead of you and get moving as soon as you can. Makes a huge difference. And I totally agree with manda. Let the baby sleep in the nursery as much as possible. Take that 4 days and rest up as much as possible. interestingly, my hubby was on the same crazy schedule and I don't think he came to the hospital overnight(maybe one night), because he was caring for the 14 month old. I thought that would bother me but it didn't. I treated like 4 days of time to myself! Rest up. Get moving. It'll go way better than your first.

I agree with the others. The second one was so much easier. The day I got home from the hospital, I drove myself to the pharmacy to get my prescriptions filled I felt so good. On my second, my husband stayed home with our daughter at night and I let the baby stay in the nursery except when I needed to breastfeed her...it was so relaxing!

For the hospital....let the baby stay in the nursery. The nurses can bring him/her to you when a feeding is needed. Your insurance (or you) is paying for a $4000/night spa - basically - at the hospital. Take advantage of it for those 4 days!

At home, the sooner you are up and moving around, the better. I've got 1 C-Section and 1 full muscle repair tummy tuck under my belt. With both, I was back in action by 2 weeks post surgery. Get walking around, carefully, and massage your scar to prevent adhesions from forming again.

Good luck!

My second c section was way easier to recover from than the first. I was up and at it almost immediately and had none of those lingering shoots of pain that I did with the first for a long time after. I was also fine in the hospital by myself whereas I was not with the first. You are going to do great-dont worry!

Hi M.!

Congrats! not all c-sections are alike. I had 2. my number one recommendation is (if your stools are not loose) take some milk of magnesia (2-3 teaspoons) per day to keep your stools soft (makes a world of difference after the c-section when you finally have a BM). you can bring your own to the hospital.

also, time after time I hear doctors recommend to make sure your vitamin C levels are high (maily NOT low) and that helps recuperate from surgery like 25% faster.
keep a camera with you at the hospital. if the baby decides to come early... one of the nurses can take some pics for you.
Also, very important, not lifting anything heavier than your baby for at least 3 weeks. I put my daughter in her car seat and when I lifted her it was too much (after 2 weeks). I had some pain for a couple of days. nothing major but I think it slowed the healing.

Relax and enjoy your new baby. God Bless you! ~C.~

Actually second c sections are much easier. Your husband will be home for two weeks. By then you should be out and about. I would not be concerned about being alone at night. This is why there are nurses. Actually a bit of quiet time alone might be enjoyable.

I had a an emergency c-section with my first, and a scheduled c-section with my 2nd child.

My Doc said, do not carry anything, that is heavier than your infant.
My Mom, took 1 week off of work to be home with me post-op, then my Husband took off for the next week. So for 2 weeks I had someone home with me. My eldest child, was 3 at the time, almost 4.

My Husband, stayed home with my daughter, while I was in the hospital. I was in the hospital for 3 days. By myself, day and night. I actually really enjoyed it. My Hubby/daughter would come to visit me at the hospital... but I did not expect my Husband to be with me all that time. I wanted him, to be home with my daughter. So she could have her routines, not interrupted.
At the hospital being there by myself, was FINE.
There are Nurses there to help you and the Doctor will check on you too.

With my c-sections, I had a good recovery.
If anything, speak to your Doctor beforehand.

Is your eldest child in preschool or anything???
That would help. Then you'd have time to be just with your infant and recovering, while the eldest will have his own time, with other children and having activities, too at Preschool.
My daughter, started preschool, when I had my 2nd child.
She loved it.

I agree that I thought the second one was faster for recovery. My daughter turned 2 one week before her brother was born...it's rough some days, but it's good. I had a special activity bag for my older child that I used during feeding times and if I was really sore and needed a rest. I only brought it out during those times and she loved it. I let her decorate the bag a few days before baby was born and then we filled it with fun books, stickers, magna doodle, etc. All stuff she could do herself.

The greatest help I could get during that time was for people to play with the older child. Either they took them away or stayed at home with all of us and just helped to entertain them, change their diapers, etc.

Congrats!

How long was your recovery from your first c-section? All of mine took 4-6 weeks. If you can get a family member or friend to stay with you at the house after your husband goes back to work, it will be best. 12 hour alternating shifts probably don't leave much time for your husband to do the housecleaning, cooking, and childcare. If you are still sore and unable to lift the 2 yr old, you need a helper during the day or you risk hurting yourself. If no one is able to stay full days, you can ask friends and family to take turns coming over for a few hours a day to do all the things you found yourself unable to do that day, or just to get your oldest out of the house so you can rest. Good luck and God bless!