Tips For Navigating Recovery After Hysterectomy
Moms of young kids have hysterectomies too ❤️🩹.
First and foremost, get as much help as you possibly can for as long as you can! These tips aren't meant to suggest you should push through without support—many of us simply don’t have enough help, no matter how much we ask for it.
Before we dive into the tips, be honest with your doctor about your situation. If you have a toddler to manage, they need to know that. If their advice is simply “don’t lift them,” and not lifting isn’t realistic, ask for more clarity and guidance.
Now, let’s get into some helpful strategies:
Preparation is everything. I prepared for surgery because I have a daughter to care for. Skills like getting on and off the floor easily, squatting down, and holding weight without straining my pelvic floor have been essential for minimizing pain while caring for her (though there have still been tears and exhaustion!).
Breathe OUT with exertion. If you need to lift your child, breathe out while doing it to help lessen intra-abdominal pressure.
Get down first. Don’t get on and off the floor while holding your child—get down first, then do what you need to do.
Adjust your cooking. If you need to prepare meals earlier in your recovery than you'd like, use a split stance to offload your pelvis when standing still feels uncomfortable.
Hold them close. Keep your child close to you when lifting to avoid unnecessary strain on your healing incisions, both inside and out.
Learn stroller ergonomics. Understanding how to use a stroller properly will help you enjoy those walks while protecting your body.
Create a diaper-changing station. Set up a convenient area with quick access to wipes, changing pads, and other essentials where you don’t have to bend over. If old enough, have your child climb up to where you’ll change their diaper.
Use their interests to your advantage. Use something they love, like a screen, to encourage them to climb up instead of lifting them. For example, I waved my phone to get my daughter to climb onto the couch so I didn’t have to lift her.
Consider breaking routines. For example, my daughter has been eating at her play table so I don’t have to lift her in and out of the high chair.
Watch for "yellow flags." Keep an eye out for symptoms that may signal issues and talk with your surgeon if you notice any (check my recent posts to learn more about this).
Recovery can be a challenging time, especially when you're caring for little ones. But with preparation and the right strategies, you can navigate this journey more comfortably.
You’re not alone on this path—let’s tackle it together!