essentials for elective c-section

[hotchoc]

having one in a couple of weeks, any must have items, got the usual stuff organised. thanks

hotchoc

[LieselVentouse]

remove nail polish, try and get your rings off - mine wouldnt come off so dont worry too much, shave the top of your bikini line. Some hospitals allow music, photos, videos etc. Good luck, i had one in July and i was really worried, i neednt have been it was easy peasy and got out of hospital 48 hrs later

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

I can't think of anything out of the norm that you will need.

If you would like any tips on a swift recovery and exit from the hospital, let me know.

[OracleInaCoracle]

see this marslady has a fab "natural c/s" birth plan.

but take in big pants and nighties instead of pj's!

[heidim]

If poss don't shave your bikini line-wax or veet it before you go into hospital-if you shave it itches like mad when the hair starts to grow back!-the last thing you need when you've a healing scar to cope with!I have had 3 now all very different experiences but all fine- all the best & hope it all goes well for you! :O

[procrastinatingparent]

Big pants! Anything else just rubs on the wound.

I wished I'd taken just one big bottle of shower gel/shampoo to wash everything with as I ended up taking ages in the shower when I still felt quite shaky trying to use all my little bottles of stuff. Better to get in and out quickly even if it means using inferior products!

[MrsPuddleduck]

Peppermint tea/cordial in case of explosive wind!

[dal21]

• arnica 200c and start popping as soon as you can after op.
• defo over the tummy pants (m and s do cheap 5 packs for £6 that worked a treat)
• some people say to take stuff for trapped wind (peppermint tea etc) although i didnt suffer from this
• nighties the best for most the stay but i took in an open fronted pyjama top to change into in recovery (as opposed to nightie that would have had to be bunched round the hips during bleeding). got into nighties/ pants etc that night when got up to have wash.

then all the normal stuff you would pack for any other delivery. (defo indulge in nice mini pack of toiletries for that first shower....bliss)

my elective was fab!

[glasgowbelle]

Yes, enormous cotton pants. They do a nice line at M&S. It was a great day when I was able to throw them out (quite a few weeks later...). My c/s was fine, by the way. A bit surreal, but all very calm and relaxed - a lovely way to see your baby being born. Hope it goes well.

[moocowme]

wax it a few days before going in as stubble from shaving is so annoying.

one of those long sticks you can use to grab things out of reach so you can get things like tissues in the middle of the night that are just out of reach.

[hotchoc]

thanks for the ideas, like the grabber one, made me laugh out loud.. i do feel nervous about section after 2 'natural' births. big knickers shopping tomorrow then.

hotchocx

[claraquitebignow]

Don't put anything on the floor eg in the bathroom when you go for your first shower. Bending over is painful.

Hold a cushion on your wound when you laugh/cough/sneeze etc.

[estobi1]

big knickers and don't be surprised if they still feel comfortable six weeks later! My poor dh

[moocowme]

still got my big knickers on 8 weeks later!!!

seriously tho the first 12 hours you won't be able to move much so having someone with you to do all the little things definately helps. i preped DH for weeks before on this and he was fab on the day!