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i would love to know about this too. I am pregnant and will probably end up having a c-sec again this time. My son will be just over 2 when this baby is born and i am already feeling overwhelmed just thinking about it!

I had a very easy c-section recovery. I had a 21/2 year old when my second was born and I think that helped speed up my recovery. You won't be able to lift her for about 4 weeks althouth I would lift mine out of the tub after the first week. The important thing for you is to get up and get moving as soon as the hospital will let you.

Thanks chel - what about getting her in and out of the car?

My doctor said not to pick up an older child for about the first 4-6 weeks. Let the child climb up and down, or in and out of the car. Just hold her hand and help her down. But this is only if no one is around to help you. If there is someone to help, let them do it.

I'm 3.5 weeks postpartum after my second c-section. Son just turned 3. My son was breech at 36 weeks too. With both births I hemoraged, although this time around they managed it better. (They learned from my first birth where also needed a D&C after 6 hours of heavy bleeding) I'm anemic so I'm also taking iron. Its harder getting out of the house regardless of how you deliver the second one. I'm better at asking people for help this time around. Some ideas that I've tried: -Lots of help from husband/partner. -Talk to your older child about how much newborns cry/eat/sleep and explain that you'll try to spend as much time as you can with her. One friend found that if she spent 10 minutes of an hour with her older child it help ease the transition a little. She can help you out if she's interested but don't force the issue. -I had help from a community program after my son was born, where a support worker was sent to help me (your birth complications not your financial means qualified you.) You had to ask to be put on the program though. -I've also had one of my sitters come in for an afternoon. She holds my daughter and I spend time with my son or do light chores while both kids are sleeping. (I stashed some money away for this before I stopped working) -I hire someone to clean my house once a month as a treat. (I was told no vacuuming for a month...so I'm indulging myself...wink wink) -You can also check for drop in daycare for yor daughter or ask friends to help you out. One of my mom friends has offered to take my son because her son is the same age. After I get better I'll return the favour. Hope these help.

My oldest child was almost three when I had my second section. She understood that mommy had a b___boo on her tummy and couldn't pick her up, but she could crawl up with me. It is suprising how understanding the little ones can be when you explain things to them simply. I am now in my 8th week of this pregnancy with a 2 1/2 and 5 year old at home. I plan on approaching this the same way. A two year old is old enough to hold your hand and climb in/out of bath tub. If you are still using a high chair you have to lift her into, consider switching to a booster in a regular kitchen chair. This too can be accomplished by her climbing while holding your hand or you holding her waist. It is amazing what they can do when we let them! Approaching the car seat in the same manner. The biggest obstacle I found was the grocery cart, but ask someone for help.

great advice ladies. I'm 35 weeks and have a 2.5 yr old also. If you're going to b/f I heard that you could have a small bag of toys that you just take out when the little one is eating for the toddler to play with. You could do this for bottle feedings too. Also, someone recommended having a new toy to be given to the toddler when you get home from the hosp and say it's from the new baby.

I am currently pregnant with my 4th. I had c-sections with all my pregnancies. I have learned that you manage. My husband always takes the first week off of work and then I'm on my own. My daughters are 6, 4, and 2. My oldest is disabled she can't walk or sit.....needs to be carried everywhere. I just finally smartened up and got a home health aide for her. From my experience the sooner you get up and move the better you heal. It is a balancing act but everything will work out. Don't be afraid to ask for help and take all the help offered. Good Luck to all of you.

I just had a repeat c-section and also have a 3 year old daughter. My first c-section recovery was VERY difficult so I anticipated the worst this time. Fortunately, I am doing MUCH better than with my first section probably because it wasn't preceeded by 12 hours of labor and an induction (like the first). If you are healthy and have had few complications with this pregnancy, then you will probably do fine with the recovery though please make sure you have help the first 1- 2 weeks you return from the hospital. My husband took a week off from work and my Mom came the following week. Make sure you also have contingency plans for help. Let people know that you would like them to be "on call" in case you have complications or just aren't recoverying that well. There are two last resorts I considered (1) having my husband take unpaid leave which is covered by the Family Medical Leave Act if the employer has 50 or more employees and if the employee has worked a certain number of hours and (2) hire outside help like a nurse. These options all depend upon your financial situation of course. Whatever you do, don't be afraid to ask for help and if you have to, demand it. Good luck!

I have the same dilemma,I am 33 weeks and I have a five year old and I tell him all the time, he will be waking up with baby sister to help mommy, he is excited about this though, even at 2.5 years old she can be of a lot of help to you, just make sure you have finger foods available so that you won' t have to cook and keep things close by you at all times. You'll be just fine, we both will

My girls are just shy of two years apart. I had two c sections. I started teaching my 2 year old, before the baby arrived, to climb into the car and climb into her chair. When I had just the one, I never thought I would resort to offering treats to get her to do something, but boy does it help. The promise of some crackers or raisins really got her motivated to do things on her own that I could not help her with right after the c section. So my advice to you is instill self confidence in your child, encourage them to do things on their own, and offer plenty of praise when they actually do it - and if all else fails bargain, bargain, bargain. Good luck and have fun!

I have had two sections my first born was breech, my second was emergency section he had fetal distress. When I had my second born my first born was only 18 months. When it came to caring for the older child I just knew how much I could do and not do and I had no problems.

Thanks for the great input. Our son will be 30 months old, and we have to seriously consider a c/s this time around. You are all an encouragement. Enjoy!

Getting all the support you can is best, I had a c 5 years ago and had 3 at home allready, now 28 weeks with number 5 and having another c. I had support through church, women brought meals every night for 2 weeks and gals came everyday to watch the 2 middle ones while I took a nap, the oldest was in elementary school. If you are not part of a church that has hospitality ministry, start asking friends and family to take shifts and help with meals and older siblings, you can't drive for awhile any way, have someone else do the shopping, ask a friend to help with the laundry, if any of your friends have teenagers ask to hire them to babysit while you nap. you are still in the house with them and teens are generally cheap. If you can afford it hire a cleaning agency 1 week. Teaching older siblings now to help out is okay too. my kids all made their own beds and picked up their clothes and toys by the time they were 2, make it a game with a reward chart, it's amazing what kid will do for sucker or a quarter. they can add them up and then when you are feeling better a trip to the dollar store so they can spend it. Neighbors a good source too, especially if they have kids, start aranging play dates for when you come home so you can have some time to rest or nap or whatever allready planned. If you can't get help with meals doing some up ahead of time and freezing them is also helpful, all you have to do is take it out in the morning to thaw and then warm it up for dinner. Having your husband take some vacation time for a week or two is very helpful too! Whatever you do don't be afraid to ask for help, and take all that you can get.

I would love to know also. I will be having a c-setion in two weeks and I have 1 16 month old. I am very worried hoe we will survive.

Get alot of family and friends lined up to help. Do what ever you can now and have a plan for people to sit with you for atleast a week.This is the only way I made it through. I have a 5 and 7 year old son, and now the new baby.