is it possible after giving birth via c-section to be back to work after 2 weeks

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi. Just wanted to know if its possible to go back to work in two weeks after a c-section? My doc says its up to me and my job says I could return after 2 weeks. My pay is normally $800 after taxes and health benefits ($135 weekly)are taken out, but the private insurance companies max pay is 560, of which I have to pay $135 a week to keep my health insurance with the company,(they won't pay for me while I'm on disability) so i'd get 430 a week. I just can't live off that, and hubby is not working. I do pdn and the client is 14, 80 lbs, ambulatory, and just needs lifting up while in bed. I work 12 hour shifts three days a week.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I have had two c-sections. The first one was very difficult because it was an emergency and I didn't get good anesthesia. Also I had scar tissue problems that caused me so much pain I had to get another surgery a year later after giving birth. My last c-section (six months ago) was great. I was walking and moving around great two days later. It took about a month before I felt ready to go back to work...I work an easy sit down job. But I stayed home for two months. I think you should give your body more time to heal. I paid many of my bills in advance, which allowed me to stay at home longer to care for my son. I'm glad I did.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, I had an emergency C-SEction as well and it took me about 6 days to walk without meds and after two weeks I was completley fine. I was also 18 years old, so it really depends on the person and how fast you heal. Just wanted you to know that it is possible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in DOU.

I couldn't work after 2 weeks after either of mine. Heck, after the first one, I couldn't even get out of bed for a week because of the spinal headache after having a (bad) epidural.

The second one was a lot better, but I still don't think I could have made it to work a 12 hour shift...

Maybe you have family that can help you out? It might be awfully hard to leave a newborn after only 2 weeks...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

as soon as I was allowed out of bed I was walking the halls and had my pca took out; the next day I was heading home with only Tylenol #3. I am the type that nothing can me down, knowing my husband was going back to work in a few days made me do it my self. the only down side is no sleep the first two weeks are kinda rough.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

Hello, I had a C-section 9 months ago, and about 2 days after I was up and feeling pretty good. I think it just depends on the individual, your incision, your tolerance level, and your overall physical health. I am 24 years old and frankly i DID NOT want to be cooped up in the bed and doing nothing so I was determined to be up and about. I am just letting you know that it is possible to go back to work, just be sure and take it easy- your incision will not be completely healed and you dont want it to dehisce (sp?). I understand how it can go as far as bills are concerned, so do what you must for your family--just be sure and take it slow and do not overwhelm yourself if you do decide to return to work so early. If this is you first child, its going to be tough for you to leave your new bundle of joy so soon!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

I've had 3 c-sections, each one with a different healing period. That being said, your physician will probably impose a lifting restriction for awhile-usually no more weight than the baby. Don't think you should be assisting an 80 lb. person with lifts in the bed. Don't rush your healing; that usually leads to setbacks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've had 3 c-sections and the 1st was the worse...my advice is to allow ur body to heal...everyone is diferent but its still major surgery and ur body needs time to get back to normal...not to mention I couldn't imagine leaving my baby after only 2 weeks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, SICU, PACU, Travel nursing.

It seems like it could be possible, but there is no way to know how your individual experience is going to go. And honestly, I seriously doubt you are going to want to work after 2 weeks with a newborn AND major abdominal surgery??

My OB told me it would be 6-8 weeks before they will give me a release to work form if I have to get a section.

Also, just FYI you will not find a day care to take a 2 week old baby (rightfully so, their immune function is not up to snuff) and it is highly unlikely that breast feeding will be well established enough to be able to continue it if you try to work such long shifts.

I make more $$ than hubby and we had to scrimp and save to be able for me to stay home for a decent maternity leave (my job has no benefits as its a pool position), but I think its really necessary. You may want to look into other options financially besides counting on the fact that you will be able to work 2 weeks after a section.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, SICU, PACU, Travel nursing.
Hi. Just wanted to know if its possible to go back to work in two weeks after a c-section? My doc says its up to me and my job says I could return after 2 weeks. My pay is normally $800 after taxes and health benefits ($135 weekly)are taken out, but the private insurance companies max pay is 560, of which I have to pay $135 a week to keep my health insurance with the company,(they won't pay for me while I'm on disability) so i'd get 430 a week. I just can't live off that, and hubby is not working. I do pdn and the client is 14, 80 lbs, ambulatory, and just needs lifting up while in bed. I work 12 hour shifts three days a week.[/quote

Also, I am really surprised that any doc would say its up to you to go back to work after 2 weeks. Thats highly unusual.

And your husband needs to get a job-any job- and make up the income at least until you recover from child birth. Sheesh. My husband would be at McDonalds if he had to be rather then ask me to return to work so soon. Sorry if this seems harsh- but I would be VERY bitter if my husband wanted to stay at home and have me go to work in these circumstances. It sounds like you will be missing about 400$ a week in income- you could make that working alot of places. Unless your husband is disabled or something.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had two c-sections. My Dr. wouldn't even let me drive before two weeks, let alone work. I had to beg for a note to return to work at 6 weeks with my first. My second c-section I stayed out a little longer than 8 because I had the option. I felt ok to walk and do light house work after 2 weeks, but I was still sore at the end of the day. It is major surgery, that being said, I know times are tough and money is tight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have two children both lady partsl births, what happened to the 6 week check up and going from there? My youngest is 7, can I be that much out of the loop? I understand though, how money and insurance can be a factor. I've never had any surgeries but I do know I use my abdominal muscles for alot more than I ever thought. If you feel up to it and comfortable I say do what you have to do to maintain your household financially but three 12 hour shifts is a long time for a newborn to be with out it's Mother right after birth. What if your patient has an emergency fall? Will you be the only one present to do all the lifting? A fall may not be anticipated but never say never. You dont want to risk the healing of your incision and down the road have to take even more time off of work to repair and heal all over again. I'm sure you will make the right decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment