Hospital bag for section

[blackteaplease]

I know this has been done to death but can anyone add to my list. I have my 3rd section booked for 3 weeks, I have read loads of lists online and can no longer think straight.

So far I have packed
Front opening nighty
leggings, vest and cardigan
going home outfit for me
5 pairs big pants
1 night bra
big dark towel
lightweight dressing gown
flipflops
1 pack pads
breast pads
toiletries

Pack of nappies
water wipes
5 x vests
5 x babygros
hat, booties, scratchmits
1 cardigan
snowsuit and blanket for going home

water bottle with sports lid
dried apricots
cereal bars
cartons of apple juice

What have I missed out that is essential?

[FluffyPersian]

Phone charger? Laptop? I think if my pregnancy comes to fruition I'd be really depressed if I couldn't access the internet!

Do you mind me asking if your first 2 C sections went 'well'? I'm pushing desperately for an ELCS due to anxiety reasons and if you're going for a 3rd one, hopefully the first two went well? (and this one does too!)

[blackteaplease]

Ah yes. Charger is essential I would be lost without the internet too.

I have had 1emcs due to missed breech which was fairly calm but in the middle of the night so I was quite knackered afterwards. The 2nd was elms and was v calm. The anaesthetists and surgeons at both were amazing.

Post natal ward was not much fun but I don't think it is for anyone. And getting discharged is a nightmare, seems to take hours for some reason.

[poocatcherchampion]

Jelly babies.

Bring your sugar up after the op.

[poocatcherchampion]

Maybr book or magazine in case you have to wait.

I'm preparing for my third c section. I've done the baby babg and snack bag. I'm going to steal your list for mummy-bag when I can be bothered

[JaniceWeAreLeaving]

Snowsuits for the baby aren't recommended if traveling in a car seat because during a car crash they decompress.

[blackteaplease]

Aren't they? I know that coats arent recommended as you can't get the straps up accurately. It's a fluffy one not a squishy one but I will switch for a cardigan and blanket.

[Sparrowlegs248]

I didn't bother with a dressing gown - its always far too warm on the wards.

Book and cash. Cotton wool rather than wipes.

Re the elcs - had on mine 10 weeks ago and it was great (due to large breech baby) i was feeling pretty good a few days later, driving after 3 weeks and stacking bales of hay this weekend!

[blackteaplease]

Glad to hear you had a swift recovery nottalotta. I am hoping for similar as we are quite rural here. Driving will be a big help.

I know from experience that I won't have the energy/patience to read a book. Took one in 1st time and it didn't leave my bag.

I can't be fussed with cotton wool and water. I will be doing most of the nappy changes as dh will have to be home looking after dc 1 and 2 and midwives tend to not be as helpful if it isn't your first child.

[Zombiemama]

Peppermint tablets! Having had an emergency section I hadn't been prepared at all now for anyone I know being induced especially I always advise them to ask for these if they end up in a section as the pain from trapped wind can be horrendous!
I actually thought I was having a heart attack! The relief from that first Rennie tablet was amazing

Good luck op hope it goes well

[Sparrowlegs248]

Yes we are rural too, not driving for 6 weeks would have been a nightmare! I phoned insurance and they were happy if my gp was happy.

I found wipes a bit rubbish at getting the first poos off so used cotton wool and water for that. Although wipes were handy to have for myself aswell .

What was your second recovery like? I was told straightway that i could have a vaginal delivery if i have another baby but tbh the elcs was so calm and straight forward that id quite like another! Just wondering whether recovery is harder as you go on?

[blackteaplease]

2nd recovery was ok but I got a wound infection. I had just under 3 years gap. I would think if you had a smaller gap then it would be harder as your d c1 would have more need to be carried 2nd have nappy changes etc.

[Sparrowlegs248]

Oh yes good point re carrying. I've had a bit of an issue with in growing hairs but fx its resolved now.

Good luck hope it goes well for you.

[LikeSilver]

Lip balm? My lips always got dry in hospital as the wards are so hot. And not so much in your hospital bag but for the drive home - a cushion or blanket to put between your scar and the seat belt - the speed bumps outside the hospital were always the most painful bit by far for me!

Good luck.

[blackteaplease]

Lip balm is in the washbag. Good point on the cushion, it's 45mins down country lanes to get home from the hospital. I will stick one in the car.

[blackteaplease]

Just spotted jelly babies and peppermint on this thread, will stick those on the list too.

[CakeInMyFace]

I'd bring a few more things to eat. I was absolutely starving after mine 4 weeks ago and due to timing missed the lunch. I couldn't stop eating and the dinner meal was tiny so was so glad for muffins etc. Also if you go home next day as I did bring something to hold over scar on drive home. And ask for a shot of morphine beforehand. I was discharged 24 hrs later and the drive home was hell and the worst part of the whole thing. Was screaming like a lunatic at dh the whole way!

[blackteaplease]

Ah yes. I am scheduled for the afternoon so will miss lunch and quite likely dinner too. I hadn't thought of that, my other sections were at midnight and 11am so I still got some food.

I am in a different hospital this time and they prefer you to stay 3 nights! No chance of a 24 hr discharge but I will be pushing for 48hr all being well.

[AlcoholicsUnanimous]

Maybe some paracetamol and ibuprofen, in case they're not too hot on giving painkillers on the postnatal ward. There were many times I was left begging for painkillers 8 hours after the last dose.

[BikeRunSki]

Lipsyl
Shower gel and shampoo on a hook.
Pillow to put over your scar on the car journey home.

[blackteaplease]

Painkillers are in the washbag already. Last time they missed at least one dose for me and had to give me tramadol. I have packed my own and will be on the buzzer if I need anything at all.

[NeophyteStarfish]

Do you have other slippers/thick socks as well as/instead of flip flops? Last time, I had to wear support stockings for 10 days, which don't fit easily in flip flops with the bar that goes between the big toe and second toe.

p.s. good luck - been reading the thread for myself again too, to remind me for this time!

[blackteaplease]

Oh, I forgot about the support stockings. I don't have any slippers at the moment. It was more to have something on my feet to go to the loo/shower. I get really hot in hospital so wouldn't wear them all the time.

Hmm, will have a think what I can use.