Hi J.. I'm a mama that had an extremely easy recovery (on my second c-section), due to the type of anesthesia used. It was very different from my first c-section, and I literally jumped out of the hospital bed the next morning, as soon as the catheter was removed.
My first born was 15 months old when I came home with my newborn son. I can honestly tell you that the only restriction I followed was the no driving. I tried my best to not pick up & carry my 15mo old, but that really wasn't possible. During my first 6 weeks, I walked, I grocery shopped, I took the kids to a music class, and resumed life. But after about the first 3 weeks at home, I started very heavy bleeding (I think that was the day that my first born peeled her diaper off and rubbed her poop into the family room carpet.) My OB was very irritated, threatened to send me to the ER, and told me this was due to my over-activity. I had no choice but to slow down. (I wasn't in pain or anything...but I didn't have this much bleeding with the first c-section.)
So...I don't know if this is a cautionary tale or proof that you can continue life as best as possible, but in moderation! Obviously, we should always follow our doctor's orders, but 4 weeks of "extreme rest" just isn't exactly possible for Moms with other children that don't have the luxury of private nannies, cooks, and housekeepers.
Be as kind to yourself as possible and try to get as much sleep as you can. Congratulations on your baby!!