Hi ladies....

I am having a breast reduction surgery in a few weeks and am going to need some help figuring out how to do it with my youngest here too (my son is going to be with relatives). I am trying to get my mom to come, but still.... I'm gonna be unable to do stuff... how will I deal with a 4 year old??

Prepare as many meals as you can ahead of time. Freeze them. Make sure you have all the groceries like milk and bread so you don't have to go to the store.

Get lots of juice boxes for your girl too. Juicy Juice is 100% and very good. And lunchables. Single serving things she can get herself out of the fridge. If she says, "Mom I'm thirsty" You can tell her to go get a juice box.

Smucker's Uncrustables are really good too. They come in strawberry, grape and grilled cheese. You put the grilled cheese in a toaster. You can keep a box in the fridge, so she can get it herself.

You are going to have to have a talk with her on how hurt mommy is going to feel. You can tell her how you are going to need her help, you are going to need her to be a big girl, she is going to have to be an angel for a day or two.

Call your doctor and see what he says.

I hope it goes well for you, I'm on the opposite end of the breast thing...

I had breast reduction about 12 years ago. I'll be honest and tell you that it is an incredibly painful surgery, however, it is worth it! Drainage tubes are probably the worst part. Once they're out, you're fine. I felt so much better postoperative once I was healed!!!

My suggestions to you are thus: Take a pillow with you to the hospital for the car ride home. You will need it! Do not lift anything heavy and explain to your son that you cannot pick him up until the doctor tell you it's ok. You will need to heal.

Also, make sure you have a good bra. Victoria's Secret products are awesome - Body by Victoria will be your best bet. (Trust me, I worked for VS for 7 years) They're comfortable and well made - and worth every penny. They train their staff to measure properly. You will want to do this once your swelling is down. Although you'll be anxious to wear cute things, you want to make sure you always have proper support so that your breast tissue does not tear and heals properly.

Don't worry about the surgery so much. Make sure you take vitamins prior to surgery so you rebound quickly. You should be up and around pretty quickly after the surgery, you'll be surprised. Listen to everything the surgeon tells you. Make sure your surgeon is ok - check out credentials, etc. prior to surgery. Don't be afraid to ask around!

Good luck!

I haven't had surgery in a long while, but when I've been bedridden, post-op, or on bedrest my daughter was always with me. I didn't have the luxury of her dad or my folks (as most of us here). Leftover was right about pre-planning and having things that little hands can get. Make sure that anything that is normally on high shelves or low shelves that you will need are centralized for the first few pre-op days. I would suggest buying your 4 yr old some craft type projects to keep busy. Those peel and stick foam art projects are great b/c they don't require glue and the mess is really simple to clean up. I'd also suggest maybe having a stack of Dr. Seuss type books from the local library checked out and ready to go. I'm sure that you will be able to make the most out of the time you will have down. Not sure that cuddling will be in the picture..but if you have a decent sized bed you guys could just pretend you are having a slumber party.

Thanks, guys... Megan will be at daycare during the day, but she's just soooo.... clingy. I'm also moving at the end of April, so I'm gonna go ahead and get a lot packed before surgery and use plastic plates after that.

JM- I've tried VS bras, and honestly, I just am not too crazy about them anymore. I had the BBV unlined full coverage, and I just got tired of them. I have a bunch of new ones from Lane Bryant (go figure I just bought a buncha new ones) that I really looove. I'm not too worried about the surgery; I found a website that has a discussion board on the subject.

Thanks Lefty and B for the suggestions on Megan and other stuff... it's certainly gonna help! I can't wait!!

I have the VS bra JM is talking about.. the Body by Victoria. It is the most amazing bra I have ever owned. You should pick one up, perhaps they have come out with new stuff since your last purchace..

You might also consider the little tiny boxes of cereal and like B said, putting them down where little hands can reach.

Can anyone else think of single serving snacks that a 4yo girl can get herself???

Adrienne

VS came out with a lined version of the full coverage BBV earlier this year. It's awesome. The padding doesn't add to you or anything. Rather, it gives you a nice shape - and protects you from those embarrassing moments when you're stuck under the AC vent in the office. The fabric is very comfy. I've tried 'generic' versions from other lines (Target and dept stores) and they just don't hold up quality-wise. The straps would get stretched out or they just didn't hold up. Anyhow - when you're ready, give that a chance!

The slumber party idea from Blindsky is a great idea!!!!

How about packing special boxes full of different things to do that she can get into when you're trying to rest? When we head off for Mass on Sunday's, I'll usually pack a special bag full of 'quiet toys' for my son that he can only play with at church. He knows this is a 'special' thing. Keeps him quiet. She'll have something exciting and 'special' to do while you're resting.

As for snacks, I keep John's snacks in Tupperware containers (Modular Mates - also keeps the bugs out of things like pasta, flour, rice, etc.) on a shelf in my pantry that he knows he can get. I'll put Cheerio's, Goldfish, pretzels, etc. into different Modular Mates and he brings them to me when he wants something - and all I have to do is pour them into a bowl. I also have the Tupp bins for single serving snacks like Teddy Grahams, PB&J crackers, popcorn, etc. Again, he can get them and I'll open them for him so I can still regulate what he's getting into.

Unfortunately, he just discovered my secret stash of chocolate buried in the fridge...

JM- I've tried that one too, but it just doesn't work... they are too small, lol. Maybe after my surgery I can get something a little more... flattering. Hopefully. My mom just called last night and said she's coming up to help for a few days, so that'll be great. Thanks for the info about the snacks!

Not that I am a big one on video games, but in this case could you afford to buy her one of those plug in play games? Save it as a last resort when she is really bothering you. Give it to her and watch her play while you rest in a chair.
I am glad to hear that your mom is coming. I think that is so important to have someone with you for a few days.

Good luck and a few prayers.

quote:

Originally posted by Adrianne:
[qb] Hi ladies....

I am having a breast reduction surgery in a few weeks and am going to need some help figuring out how to do it with my youngest here too (my son is going to be with relatives). I am trying to get my mom to come, but still.... I'm gonna be unable to do stuff... how will I deal with a 4 year old?? [/qb]

Good Luck with the surgery! I had heart surgery last year while 7mos. pregnant. I am still trying to find a bra that I can wear, Please let me knnow if you find anything that works!