Hospital bag for c section - what to include and not include?

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

Had an emergency c section with ds so wasn't organised at all with what to pack and didn't have lots of things.
I need reminding - what will I need? And what things are pointless? Having an elective with baby 2.

[EasyRider]

high waisted knickers/pjs

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

Yes, good idea some comfy big pants!

[IAteDavinaForDinner]

Go to Matalan, buy huge, huge pants. Also buy high waisted trackie bottoms in dark colours, and vest tops.

Take Arnica.

Loads of giant pads.

You should drink lots after the op so take squash if you dislike water. A straw is good if you're all stiff and sore. Eat fruit! Peppermint tea is meant to be good for the wind.

Can't think what else .... er, a v-cushion is good, lansinoh if you're BFing, and breast pads.

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

What is Arnica? A herbal thing I am guessing! Will be looking for tracky bottoms to pack. Squash is good idea, and straw. Thanks!

[IAteDavinaForDinner]

Arnica is homeopathic remedy for bruising. Am v sceptical about homeopathy but have to say it seems to work.

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

Hmmm will look at that. Anything is worth a try!

[MrsSprat]

Two bags (one for pre-op and immediately post-op; one back-up bag with everything else for hosp stay post-op left at home or in car for partner to bring later - the logic being: avoids clutter and hassle for partner as you're shunted from room to theatre to room)

Big pants
Nice toiletries for a longer stay
Clean dressing gown and nightie/pjs
Flip flops for shower and loo trips
Pads
Camera
Magazines/MP3 player
Make-up to make you feel human (bronzer excellent!)
Baby stuff for x3/4 days (but can be topped up by visitors)
Some fruit/biscuits

[dizzydixies]

def second arnica - has helped me greatly this time round with elective after emcs

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

Thanks MrsSprat, never thought of the 2 bag idea. Footwear is a good idea as I had bare feet last time (eeww!)Mp3 is good idea to drown out the screaming babies at night! lol.

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

How would I take Arnica? Is it a cream or a pill?

[dizzydixies]

nelsons arnica tablets - boots or tesco stock them

[dizzydixies]

if you're having an elective and hence know when your op is - start taking them 5 days prior for maximum effect

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

OOH! Thanks, will give them a try. Cheers

[dizzydixies]

nelsons tablets

[needamiracle]

a 'cushtie' to sleep with around your tum. Helped the pain for me....

here

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

Thanks for the links, and that cushion looks lovely...will be shopping till I drop now lol!

[MERLYPUSS]

Take a sports cup / bottle. Not only it does away with a straw but you can fit in more than an eye full as opposed to hospital cups.
earplugs and eye mask - The cow next to me had her light on all night and was texting her DP and not being at all quiet.
MP3 player with radio.
CAnt remember what else.

[eidsvold]

i found peppermint tea really helped with the trapped wind problem - had a cup with all my meals and at morning and afternoon tea.

Tea tree oil - few drops in warm water to bathe/clean wound.

roll of paper towels I them wet paper towel in warm water and tea tree oil then held it against my stitches. Then pat dry with more paper towel.

squash to drink too. Have to keep fluids up.

another vote for cheap big knickers you can chuck.

definitely take arnica tablets.

[dizzydixies]

I hated the peppermint tea but had peppermint water which I mixed with a little hot water - much easier to take lol

[EasyRider]

peppermint tea, yep,

lipbalm, a good option,

nipple cream, lansinosh,

your own pillow/blanket, my best hospital item (ended up in for 12 days) was like home, well as best it could be,

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

Sports cup is a good idea, will remember that one.
Some helpful ideas, cheers!

[MrsJamin]

• chocolate and/or percy pigs - why not? also snacks to keep you going through the night - I didn't sleep much from an adrenalin high
• squash - encouraged me to keep up with drinking water
• comfortable earplugs to watch tv in night while BFing - used noise reduction ones which cut out the sound of the other babies crying!

[Amberc]

I had an Em CS and I didn't bring enough baby clothes! I didn't use the big pants I bought because I found the giant paper knickers really comfy! If you are thinking of breastfeeding, one of these is good to protect your wound while the baby feeds...

support cushion

[MrsJamin]

oh yes, I'd say leave most baby clothes at home, perhaps make up little bags per day for your DP to bring in, otherwise you have to spend ages saying what you'd like him to bring in. extra plastic bags to take home dirty clothes is a good idea, also have plenty of nightwear as it can get dirty and you want to feel your best especially with visitors etc.

[traceybath]

i'd recommend this

i've had 2 c-sections and found this homeopathic kit fab - its got all the right strengths as well. You do need a different strenght of arnica if you're having a c-section than they just tend to sell in boots.

Also various other remedies which are helpful for healing and breastfeeding etc.

I also wore yoga type trousers which had a fold down waist - as pulled them up high to begin with.

And second nice toiletries - lovely smelling shower gel was really nice.