Question:
Single Mom that needs to know how long I should plan on having help with my child?
I am a single mother of a 3 1/2 year old son. I need to know how long I should plan on having him at friends and family's homes? I also need to know how long I should plan on taking off from work? I sit at a desk and design log homes so it isn't like Im lifting and standing all day. — cutewhitegirl (posted on April 15, 2003)
April 15, 2003
Hi Billie, One thing I have learned is that everyone's recovery can be
really different. Just like many other things involved with this surgery.
I would say, two weeks for your son. That is if as long as you don't have
to pick him up (then I'd say longer). I found that I could care for myself
just fine, but forget trying to care for anyone else. As far as your work
goes, again, at least two weeks. That would be a minimum. If possible I'd
take 3 to 4 weeks off. I took LOTS of naps for about 3 months. Best of
luck!
— Stacy L.
April 15, 2003
I would get as much help as you can round up, for as long as you can get
it. Then, you can determine how you feel, and if you even NEED all the
help. I'd also plan on taking as much leave from work as you can take, and
then you can always go back sooner if you feel like it. Personally, I took
care of my 4, 8, and 12 year olds when I came home from the hospital, while
my husband was at work. My 12 year old was a GREAT help. Even if you just
had an older neighbor kid come over and entertain your little one, that
would be a good time for you to take a nap. Hope that helped! :)
— Diana L.
April 15, 2003
Billi, I would say atleast a week. But I was wondering, if famly/friends
are willing to have your son stay there, would they be willing to stay over
your house for a week or two? That way your son can be with you, but you
could use the help for both yourself and your son. If you could do that, he
wouldn't miss you as much. I know when I was that young I couldn't go a day
without my mommy! Also, if you do that, I would still wait a week, the
first week is the worst and you probably don't want him to see you in pain
and so fatigued. It will be a few weeks atleast before you'll be able to
pick him up, and you may not have the energy to do the normal things. You
don't realize how much you use your stomach until you can't! Goodluck to
you!
— Lezlie Y.
April 15, 2003
I am a stay at home mom to 4 boys. My biggest concern were the 2 youngest
they had just turned 1 and 2 the month before my surgery. My doctor said
that I could not lift them for 6 weeks but I took care of them after the
first week. My husband stayed with me the first week and then my oldest
son was out of school the next week (he is 15, gotta love PCOS it spread my
kids out). Anyway I did have someone to help lift the youngest but my 2
year old did just fine because he walks and can climb into his little bed
all by himself. So I would make sure that you have help for at least the
first week and then see how you feel.
— Haziefrog
April 17, 2003
Billie, I hate to be a party pooper, but you have to consider the fact that
there could be complications to your surgery. Make sure you have coverage
for up to six weeks if necesarry. I had a lot of unforseen complications
and was in the hospital for over a month. Luckily my parents were able to
stay with my children while my husband spent time with me in the hospital.
Line up what ever help you can find and let them know that you will cancel
their services if not needed. Like they say, better safe than sorry....
— Jane S.
April 17, 2003
I have a 21 month old son and had surgery 2-24-03, my husband took a week
off and I have a 15 year old daughter who was a wonderful help. Everyones
recovery is different, so hope for the best but plan for the worst.... I
myself needed 5 weeks before I felt like myself, I had a complication (not
a major one, but a bother anyway) best plan? six weeks!!!
— Jana Krvavac
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