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1 - i would say no to this - especially if it's going to be that many hours - but it's totally your call. maybe after the first 4 weeks, but for me, personally, i needed every hour in the day to figure out breastfeeding, and sleep, and naps, etc....

2 - by 8 weeks you will probably be up for this! when LO was 8 weeks we traveled 3.5 hours in the car to my family's house for the holidays - it went really well! i felt good, had lost the baby weight and LO was easier to travel around with! the flight might be tricky but I feel like i've read about lots of new parents on planes on this board....

for me, weeks 1-6 were just a total blur. The days flew by, it was such a strange/wonderful new time that we had to figure out as a family. I felt like a lot of it was just keeping the baby alive, ha. Around 6/8 weeks things started to feel a little more normal for me. Then by 10/12 weeks I felt a lot more confident, and life seemed to be falling into a new normal... I also went back to work when LO was 15 weeks old.

I had a fairly easy delivery and I would have been ready to travel probably by 4 weeks after delivery. I think you'll be fine by 8 weeks... just keep in mind first babies are often late so it might be more like 7 weeks

I had 3rd degree tears so the first 3 weeks were pure hell. Then, it was just a really dull ache like I got kicked down there for another few weeks, (I had to take pain relievers every day). Then around 11 weeks the soreness was completely gone. However, I think my situation is pretty extreme, since I tore so badly.

The first six weeks were rough for me, but I did travel from NYC to Indianapolis to visit my family when LO was 8 weeks old and it wasn't bad at all. So I would say yes to number 2, though as others have pointed out, I would try and limit my involvement. However, one of my friends traveled from Chicago to NYC for a wedding when her LO was roughly 8 weeks old and she was a bridesmaid and she did a great job with it. It definitely wasn't an ideal situation for her, but she made it work. I think the thing that helped in her case is that her parents were guests at the wedding, too, so their hotel rooms were close by and her parents were able to babysit when she had to do wedding-related stuff.

I had an easy delivery, but I still felt like it was 6-8 weeks before I came up for air. I didn't realize just how much time I'd spend nursing during those early days. For the first 2-3 weeks, it was a great day if I'd showered, never mind done those kind of volunteer hours! You may be more awesome than me, but I'd cut yourself a break at least for a couple weeks. For the wedding, I think you'll be fine to travel, but it would be tough to be away for that long from your LO if ebf, so if you're not comfortable bringing her and don't have sufficient support while there, I'd pass.

ETA: I skipped traveling at Christmas when she was 3 weeks for the same fears you have, but we traveled from IL to VA for my BIL's wedding at 14 weeks with no problems at all. Go with your gut!

@yourekindapretty:

1. i would also say no... the first 8 weeks are the hardest, and then it starts getting better, but you're still tired all the time!
2. yes, i think this is manageable. i was also a bridesmaid for my friend around 8-wks pp and i had to fly to SF for it (i live in socal). i didn't feel very pretty in my bm dress, but it was doable.

my baby is now 9-weeks old and i would say the turning point for us this time around was when he hit 7-weeks. breastfeeding became easier, he sleeps longer stretches, and he seems to have fallen into his own little schedule! i would plan for the worst at least for the first 6-weeks even if you have an "easy" baby... that way you can prepare for anything!

I am just going to hit 8 wks pp this week. I think the first 4 weeks were a blur, and I've started to finally get into a groove around 6 weeks

1. No, at least not in the first couple of months, I wouldn't trade any me or baby time for volunteering.

2. I think this is doable. My SIL traveled to Hawaii for our wedding with a 4 week old. We took K on a road trip and first weekend away at 6 weeks. By 8 wks you should have your first round of shots.

Only thing is I would request going first for hair and makeup so I could be with baby to nurse, etc. until right up to the wedding. And be flexible with the possibility you might not be able to do pictures.

Actually it's so crazy, but I do think what everyone says is coming true for me... 8 weeks seems like a light at the end of a fuzzy tunnel! Good luck!

@yourekindapretty: i chose a window seat because 1) the plane ride was really short (1 hour) so i knew i probably wouldn't have to get up to use the restroom, and 2) it offers more privacy. i also used that time to take a nap by leaning my head against the window.

you can still be in the wedding, just try to nurse or pump about 30 min before you walk down the aisle! ceremonies usually don't take more than an hour... it would be highly unusual if it did!

i would raise these concerns to the bride just so she's aware and not completely taken aback on her wedding day.