Ok, so did anyone else's doctor tell them that they can't do laundry, or vacuuming and heavy housework for 6 weeks? My discharge papers said that I couldn't drive for a week, and I can't pick up anything heavier than Gracie, or do any laundry for 6 whole weeks. I don't really understand why though. I don't know if my stitches were more extensive than usual or something, but I didn't think anything out of the ordinary happened... Anyone know if this is typical, cause I wasn't really expecting that kind of limits!

[Kelllilee]

My midwife told me the same thing, although she didn't put a timeline on it. Definitely for the first 2 weeks.

I think they are concerned about overstraining your uterus and causing excessive bleeding. She told me that if you follow those instructions and rest as much as you can, your bleeding will stop sooner. IF you don't, you can bleed for the full 6 weeks.

Oh, ok, that makes sense, thanks Kellisa! I didn't see my doctor after I got those orders, so I hadn't had a chance to ask about it. I guess it's a good thing my husband knows how to do laundry! It may not get put away, but at least we'll have clean things to wear. I guess I didn't know that more activity can make the bleeding last longer. Definitely don't want that!

[~Paula~]

I had a c/s and was told no driving for 2 weeks, nothing heavier than Emily for 6 weeks, and not to overdo it....PFFT! I had to drive 3 days after I got home and then help move drywall into the room, up the stairs, etc....
So much for Dr's orders. lol

[MDS0307]

i agree with what Kelli said. Its not really that you cant do some things...like some light laundry, just take it easy is all. no major lifting or exersicing or anything like that. Ive been doing the laundry. but im just careful about what i lift.
Me and DH rearranged the living room furniture yesterday and i was helping lift the couch and stuff...**shame** but i just
didnt strain myself and i think im ok. i went back to work after i had DD at 3 weeks PP and i was working as a nurse assist. in a nursing home, lifting old people...it was very risky for me to be doing that so soon after birth.

anyway, just be careful is all.

[momoftwinsand1]

The only thing they told me was to not lift JOhn for the first few weeks. My dr. just said not to over do it and to listen to my body. I have been doing laundry from teh time I came home. I did have my dh carry the baskets upstairs the first 2 weeks.

[SusieQ2]

My Dr didn't really say too much other than to take it as easy as possible for 6 weeks. I sure don't mind not vacuuming!! I have been doing some laundry and all though. I don't have stairs to carry it up and down so it isn't too bad. It was about a week before I drove but that was because DH was home so if we went anywhere he drove. Plus I had an episiotomy and I had to watch the way I sat or otherwise it hurt.

I say take advantage and slack off of some of your least favorite chores while you still have an excuse!

[ojosmom]

With DS, I was on those restrictions for 6 weeks, then when I went in for the 6 week check up, she made me stay on restriction for another 2.

I had a really difficult labor followed by a c.s. so that's probably why.

Really, you can do what you can do as long as you can tell when enough is enough.

I'm doing laundry right now, but I haven't pulled sheets off the bed or made the bed or anything like that, just simple, light laundry and it takes me longer but I can do it.

Dr. is probably cautious and wants to make sure you heal well so try to listen to what they say for your own good. Although, I know it's hard especially if you don't have help.

[*Angel*]

Wow that does seem like alot! I got the driving one, but that was it!! The only other restriction I got was no sex and no tampons for 3 weeks on the sex and 6 for the tampons!! I think just like everything else, each doc is different!

[adri.w]

Well ... i dont have personal experience about it because this is my first baby but my mom had 4 c-sections and i remeber that after the first surgery she was told to rest for 6 weeks and not to over do physical activities(heavy housework, running, lifting heavy things...) she just had to take it easy and be carefull but after the other 3 c-sections she was in absolute rest for like 2 months ... but i guess is because it was to much for her body to take and plus my mom was 46 at the time and we are from a very paranoid family and our doctor is like that too, so... but i dont think thats the case with you ! so i agree with everybody else just take it easy and be carefull!!

Ok, that definitely makes sense. I will be glad to avoid most work though! I will start carefully doing some laundry when needed, and see how things go. I have help, so it's not a big deal, but I hate making my husband do so much here! I'm fine with no vacuuming, and I'll stick to that one for sure

[mikala101505]

i hope my doc. gives me some orders like that!! then i can have a good excuse because being pregnant isn't working as a good excuse!