PP activity level

[mkksmom]

All of this is so mind-boggling to me. I have no idea what the rules are. I was so out of it at the hospital I don;t even know what they said. If they gave me written instructions, then I have no idea where they are. I had an intense delivery, needed epi and vacuum, a piece of my placenta didn't want to come out... don't know why she was in a hurry to get that out, but she must have pulled on the cord. I was so worried about baby I didn't even notice. Anyhow, I was in a bit of a fog after all that, and now I have no idea what I am supposed to do to take care of myself other than not DTD for 6 weeks... which is fine by me.

1. How long were you supposed to lay around and take it easy?

2. When is it OK to resume cleaning the house/shopping?

3. When can you get back to exercising, like taking a walk?

4. What about lifting after a vaginal delivery? How much is too heavy to lift and for how long?

[HydeParkB]

As I am learning, each pregnancy is different, but I'll give you my experience from last time.

1. How long were you supposed to lay around and take it easy?
I would say I probably took it really easy for two weeks. I remember I didn't really feel human for about 6 weeks.

2. When is it OK to resume cleaning the house/shopping?
I made DH carry the laundry up and down the two flights of stairs, but I would sort and put away my own and the baby's clothes. For the first week I kept carrying the baby up the stairs to change diapers where the changing table was. And my mom said, "You know you could change her diaper downstairs." Cutting out all those stairs really helped!

3. When can you get back to exercising, like taking a walk?
Depends, for sure. I have never been a consistent exerciser, so I would rather nap than take a walk. Honestly sleep and showering were so much more rejuvenating to me. I would suggest that the first few times you exercise you not be alone with just the baby, in case you suddenly don't feel well.

4. What about lifting after a vaginal delivery? How much is too heavy to lift and for how long?
I have heard that lifting more than the baby is too much - and I think that's the biggest bit of bunk I've heard. Of course, I had a 6.5 lb baby. I used the vacuum, put away dishes, etc. But also tried to take it easy. Lifting was not an issue for me the way stairs were.

[Dmitrizmom]

Originally Posted by mkksmom

1. How long were you supposed to lay around and take it easy?

2. When is it OK to resume cleaning the house/shopping?

3. When can you get back to exercising, like taking a walk?

4. What about lifting after a vaginal delivery? How much is too heavy to lift and for how long?

My directions this time with blood loss, placental issues and tearing...
1. take it really easy for at least the first 4 days, walking for short distances in/around the house for the first 2 weeks.
2. keep trips out short and cleaning limited - if feeling tired/dizzy, I'm doing too much
3. walking for longer distances can be done as I build up to them and as long as my flow doesn't increase afterward
4. only thing I am supposed to lift for the first 2-3 weeks is the baby.

I'm also to keep my knees together as much as possible for 2-4 weeks to allow my tears to heal well.