Is it safe to lift a toddler after 12 weeks?

Posted , 4 users are following.

I am due to look after my 14 month old grandchild for 2 days a week starting in August. It will then be almost 5 months since a posterior repair and tvt.

The advice on lifting is contradictory. Some says never more than 20 pounds the rest of your life, other advice is live a normal life after 12 weeks, and that coughing/constipation are the biggest dangers to a repair. I plan to lift her from a seated position as much as possible, but does anyone have any advice on this?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi moira,

    I was at my physio yesterday for my 3 month check and she has advised me never to lift anything heavy as this will reduce the chance of me needing further surgery down the line.  I wouldnt do anything to jeopardise this if i was you.  Hows everything else going.

     

  • Posted

    Hi Moira,I have had 2 repairs in the last 3 years,one vaginally and one rectopexy repair both using synthetic mesh which had to be removed last year with a very lengthy difficult operation,I did not lift anything heavy after any of these ops,even shopping that was heavier than a full kettle,however the prolapse now needs further surgery.

    My advice to you is do not lift anything that could cause you further problems including your grandchild.Take care

  • Posted

    I am seeing the consultant again in 3 weeks, and am waiting an appointment with the gynae physio. Will discuss this with them. I did say to the consultant before the op that I would be doing this, and he was happy to go ahead. I'll post what they say now. Worst case scenario, my husband will be involved in this, and I can leave the heavy lifting to him.

    Will be 10 weeks post op tomorrow, and definitely have more energy, and feel more myself. Still taking extreme care ~ haven't lifted the kettle yet, never mind a baby ~ but walking further and pelvic floor exs now feel ok. Mind you, haven't moved past level 1 on the kegel app!

  • Posted

    Hi Moira,You sound like you are recovering really well. Well done! The last thing you want now is to undo all the good work that the surgeon has done do you. Explain to your toddler grandchild that 'Nanny has a poorly tummy' and let Grandad do all the lifting. There will always be lots of other ways of interacting with the little one. I am 8 months post op. and feel great, but am very aware of not overdoing the lifting. Good luck. 
  • Posted

    The consultant is very happy with the outcome of my posterior repair and tvt, and so am I! Prolapse now gone, and all looking good. Remaining aches and twinges will go in time. I asked him specifically about lifting the one year old, and he said that would not be a problem. He has 4 children himself, so knows what's involved. He said the big no no is trying to move heavy furniture, but babies in and out of buggies and car seats won't affect the repair at this stage. I am relieved to hear this, but thinking before lifting is now second nature, and I will continue to be careful and listen to my body.

    I'm still waiting for an appointment with the gynae physio, but I can now do the Kegel Aerobics app. Pelvic floor exs hurt too much before. Looking back I felt poorly for the first 8 weeks, and only really feel like myself now, 13 weeks post op. I have learned patience and to be kind to myself.

    Wishing everyone well!

    • Posted

      Dear Moira, Really well done on your progress so far. It sounds to me like all is going well and that you are aware of not straining things too much. Keep up the good work. 

      It's so important that all of us having this type of repair, be patient and not stay on our feet too long, lift or carry heavy things during the first few months of our recovery. It may be a nuisance at first, but it's well worth it.

    • Posted

      Hi LadyPink, I think you've summed it up beautifully. For me the worst thing was the constant worry that something would go wrong. Every twinge or ache meant the worst. It's been a real comfort to read all the posts. Thank you everyone!

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