How Long After my Surgery Do I Have to Wait to Pick Up my 20 Lbs Baby?

Question

I'm scheduled for my BA on Sept. 16th. The only question in my mind and making me think I should wait is how long do I need to wait to hold/pick up my 20 lbs baby? I plan to put him in daycare for the first 2 weeks and my Husband will be here before and after daycare. But I know it will be hard for me not to pick him up. How "bad" will it be if I pick him up? Will I mess anything up? If I just listen to my body and not pick him up before 7 days, like my PS said will it be OK? Thank you!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

You should avoid heavy #lifting and strenuous activity for six #weeks. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result.  Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!! It may require the full 6 weeks before you can do any upper body work-outs, yoga, etc.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own 
surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give 
to my patients as to the recoveryWeek 1)  Discomfort and tightness 
level progressively decreases with each day.  Swelling decreases a great
 deal after one week.  Most people return to work in some capacity.Week
 2)  Unlikely to need any narcotic support except maybe at night.  
Swelling and tightness continues to improve compared to week 1Weeks 
3-6)  May need tylenol or ibuprofen for intermittent discomfort. 
Swelling completely resolved.  Tightness may continue as the implants 
over an additional few months into their final position.   As far as activity, here is a safe guide:1)  No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks (a gallon of milk as a guide).2)  Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)3)  At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph4)  At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph5)  At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph6)  At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph7)
  At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and
 use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it. So
 as far as the little ones, I would recommend having help for basic 
needs like lifting into the car seat.  You can cuddle with them while 
you are sitting down, but you should avoid the tendency to multitask 
with one child in your arms while you are busy doing other tasks.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You'll most likely not be able to lift anything until about 6 weeks after your surgery. However, please ask your surgeon as they may have different advice.

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

After a breast augmentation, I typically ask my patients to not lift anything 15lbs or heavier for about 4 weeks.  I know it's hard to not lift your little one but you are risking a hematoma.  You can also hold your baby and play on the floor or your baby can be placed in your lap and you can hold and play that way, it will go by quickly and if very doable!  Listening to your body is also very important and don't push yourself, but most importantly listen to your surgeon and if you have concerns or questions don't hesitate to call the office and ask.  ac

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually have patients wait several weeks to pick up a baby.  I will often tell patients taht the young child can climb on to them as opposed to be lifted out of a crib after a few weeks if the patient is feeling OK. Remember "the enemy" of what we do is a hematoma, and lifitng heavy things can increase your blood pressure.

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How Long After my Surgery Do I Have to Wait to Pick Up my 20 Lbs Baby?

Answers (9)

Answer: When can I lift my 20lb baby

Answer: When can I lift my 20lb baby

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