Q: I'm looking to visit family who live 4hours drive away within a week after my baby is born. how soon is safe to do this?
A: Actually, the more you walk and move around from day one, the quicker you will get over childbirth. With my first, I rested a lot and was weak and sore for days. With my second one, I stayed up until I was tired and I felt great the first day. Judge all of this yourself after you have the baby. You're the only one that knows how you are feeling. Now for the trip, it is safer for the baby than for you but there are things you can do to make it more pleasant. You should stop frequently and walk around to loosen you up so you won't be sore. Also, if you had a C-section this stretching and walking around will alleviate any blood clots you might have developed (it is NOT usual to develop blood clots, this is just a precaution). The more stops you make the better you and the baby will feel. By the way, there is no danger to the baby, it just needs you! Have a safe trip and enjoy!