When did you start driving again?

[Berry]

Just wondering when others first started driving again?

Have been told not to for 6 weeks....this would be difficult re getting my other two kids to activities like Kinder.

Also, I'm a bit worried re lifting 2yo in and out of the car; she still requests to be carried frequently during the day and I can't imagine not being able to lift her at least occasionally; she's not heavy, just over 10kgs.

[Tobily]

I was told by my ob and my insurance company I could drive again as soon as I felt comfortable to - I first drove six days after my caesar and it was fine.

I also had a two year old at the time who was used to being lifted in and out, but I just told her mummy couldn't lift her and I kind of helped her into the car...after a day or two she was fine to get in herself, she learnt quickly!

Most insurance companies now say you can drive when your ob says it's ok. They used to make you wait six weeks but most of them don't now - you should call them and check.

[Renee Elizabeth]

I would check with your insurance Berry as Flea did to make sure you are covered.
I probably drove 2-3 weeks after the surgery but I didn't have a 2 year old (but I will have an 18 month old this time!)
My advice would be to take it slowly - I really didn't need to be driving around and should of taken my time. Good luck!

[Beach Mama]

I drove at 3 1/2 weeks - after speaking to our insurance co ..they basically said as long as you have the all clear from the dr thats fine. Actually their exact wording was as long as the dr hasnt said you arent allowed to - I was never told by anyone that I couldnt drive!! Good luck!

[Kitty33]

I did my first trip to the shops 5 days after.... I have an auto so it wasnt that much of an issue... If you have a manual car it might be a different story... specially with your insurance.

Good luck and I hope all goes well
oxoxoxoxox

[visitor2]

I drove in a manual car 3wks after having Kimberley i also checked it was okay with my insurance company.
I drove 4 days after having Alex but it hurt heaps and waited another 3wks till i drove agian.
After having Eleanor i waited 4wks as i had to take Kimberley to kindy.

As for picking the kids up i would only do it if you had to. I did lift Kimberley and Alexander after i had Eleanor but only if i had too.

[Berry]

Thanks girls - reassuring to hear! I couldn't really remember from my last c-section but it must have been before 6 weeks looking back....

[PlonkeeMumma]

hi Berry
I waited about 10 days with #1 and about a week with #2 after checking with Ins co. I had an 18 month old and i can't actually remember what i did! I must have got him in somehow as i went out and about. I had help for the first few weeks as my parents were over but after that i think i just lifted him slowly and carefully.

Good luck

Julie x

[becmc]

I waited six weeks. As far as I know it can hurt to brake therefore your reflexes may not as fast as they normally would be. I wouldn't risk my kids. My opinion only though.
And everyone heals differently.

[{sarah}]

Yep, definitely check with your insurance company. Some say that for *any* abdominal surgery you cannot drive for 6 weeks. Others say that you can drive as soon as you are comfortable....

[christy]

My insurance said 6 weeks, then changed it to whatever the hospital physio said, and my physio said 6 weeks.

[~Jo~]

I drove just under two weeks, all the information I had was to not vacuum or lift anything above a certain weight for 6 weeks but no mention of driving at all.

Jo

[maddysmummy]

i drove at about 3 1/2 weeks and felt fine.. my car was manual and had no probs really only that somethings it felt alittle stretched but other wise fine! just depends on how you feel!

[Redearth]

I was driving 13 days after my c/section. My obstetrician said he usually tells people that they can drive 2 to 3 weeks following the c/section.

I would have gone mad being stuck at home for 6 weeks.

[MistyFying]

I think you should carefully consider the pros and cons of driving "early". You do need to allow the cut muscles to reattach and heal properly to avoid complications. Having said that, I was in a position where I had to drive one week after my C/S. I guess you have to weigh up the risks of driving vs not driving.

I think the suggestion to start teaching your 2 year old to climb into her car seat now is a great one (maybe easier said than done) but anything you can do in advance to help your healing afterwards is a good thing, IMO.

[castle]

Hi Berry,
I've had 2 c/secs. With both, I drove about 10 days after. Definitely check with your insurance. My OB told me that the risk is not being able to respond quickly in an emergency braking situation.
Ask your doctor too, but I think the most important thing is to follow your instincts about how much you need to protect your body for a good recovery. In other words, if you're given the all clear to drive, but still feel exhausted/unnerved or have any qualms, then don't.
The toddler lifting issue is so hard. I found it heartbreaking. With both mine, dh was off work for 2 weeks after and gave the toddler lots of attention, which they LOVED. I was comfortable sitting in a chair and hugging, or bending down to give attention.
Near the end of pregnancy, I suggest telling dd that Mummy needs her help and she can't carry all the time. Most toddlers transition well to being offered an arm/hand for leverage in & out of the car. Use lots of encouraging words, "Can YOU do it? Wow, you are getting to be such a big girl." When they want to be picked up & carried, sometimes it helps to make it into a little chasing game--"Can you catch me? I think I can get to the front door before you!" It doesn't mean you have to move fast, just making funny feet movements and doing it with a sense of fun is usually enough. If you start doing this before baby arrives, then it will be a bit easier.
After the first 2-3 weeks, if you are recovering well, you should be able to pick her up occasionally. HTH.

[Jennifer13]

Hi there!

My ob told me I would be okay to drive as soon as I could do an emergency brake without flinching (so I wouldn't hit any pedestrians!). I had my Mum stay with me until 2 weeks after the c/s, so didn't try before she left, but I was perfectly fine by then. No flinching whatsoever!

My insurance co told me as long as my dr was okay with it.

[BellyBelly]

There is a thread here: https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...d.php?p=418793 including a poll.