Help re: how much stuff to take to hospital for baby (c-section)

[DirtyBit]

I'm having a c-section on Friday morning.
I've been told I'll probably be in for around 3 nights, possibly longer.

This is my first baby, so I have no idea how many changes of clothes etc she will need.

So my question is, how many of the following should I take/are necessary?

-Vests (no arms/legs)
-Babygrows/sleepsuits (long arms & legs)
-Nappies
-Blankets (was going to take a fleecy one for when she is being held etc in case it's cold, but do I need cellular one as well?)

Do I need:
-A towel/wash mit for her
-Cotton wool
-Nappy cream

Anything else I have forgotton (probably something glaringly obvious).

Appreciate any advice/suggestions :)

[WidowWadman]

I've packed 3 vests, 3 babygrows, half a pack of nappies and a couple of hats. Should I need more my husband can bring it round - after last Caesarean I spent 2 days in hospital and that was sufficient.

I was provided with cotton wool etc, so didn't pack anything extra, but it won't hurt to have some if you have space in your bag. Nappy cream is actually only neccessary if there's a rash (and if I'm not completely wrong there'll be a tester in one of the bounty bags you get after birth)

[Sidge]

I would take a few each of vests and babygrows. If you have a partner visiting then s/he can bring supplies and take away dirty stuff!

Nappies - I think I took a small pack of the newborn ones.

Cotton wool - I didn't as the hospital provided it.

Blankets - I only took a shawl for cuddles/feeds. The hospital provided all bedding and the wards are so hot you probably won't need a fleece one.

I always waited until I got home to bathe my babies so no flannel or towels needed (except for me!). I never used nappy cream.

A little hat is nice for immediately after birth as they do get a bit cool but the staff wrap the rest of them up well.

[littlemisslozza]

I wold take about 4/5 vests and 4/5 sleepsuits, along with half a pack of nappies. A hat and maybe a cardigan too, depending on how hot it is. Lay out more things andleave them somewhere all together (on the spare bed?) for your DH to bring at your request if/when you need them, I always do this and then he brings the right stuff! Same applies to clothes etc. for you.

Couple of blankets as you will want a spare if it gets dirty in the middle of the night. Send washing home with DH but make sure you get replacements, or that it gets brought back clean asap!

You may also need a couple of small sheets for the cot (or pillowcases will do) if your hospital don't provide them (mine don't). Again, more than one as they get dirty quite quickly.

Yes to the towel, cotton wool and a small pot of cream. Trying to think what else but nothing springs to mind at the moment.

Good luck! I had an ELCS two years ago and it was a lovely experience, especially after a traumatic first birth. Having another in August and looking forward to it.

[DirtyBit]

Thanks everyone.
Think I will definately leave stuff I may need pre-packed for DP, if I don't he'll bring something that he really honestly thinks is right but just isn't haha.

[harrygracejessica]

I took 7 vests, 7 sleepsuits, didn't take blankets etc def pack a couple of hats - incase of puke incidents :) pack of nappies, cotton wool.

Don't forget mints for you incase you get trapped wind after the section!

[DirtyBit]

Ooh yes have heard about that, mints and chamomile tea the way to go apparantly.

[Wormshuffler]

In the stuff for you category I would add, wet wipes for yourself and a mirror (as it may be a day before you get to one) . I read somewhere about natural yoghurt as soon after the birth as possible being excellent for trapped wind.

[DirtyBit]

Good idea, although I'm not too sure about putting yoghurt into my case haha might have to send someone out for some.

[cindyannajones]

Peppermint oil capsules were amazing for the wind afterwards... They worked so fast and were really effective.

Straws are great for when you're flat on your back but need a drink.

I took so much stuff but only used,

4 vests
4 'easy' babygrows, just one line of poppers all the way down.
2 hats

I bought blankets and everything but the hospital provided them and I only ended up using one to put on her to bring her home!

Congratulations!! I'm quite jealous! My C Section was a total pleasure...

[DirtyBit]

Well I've now packed a bag for the baby with 4 vests & 4 baby grows + hat, nappies, scratch mits, wipes.
I'm doing another bag just in case I'm in for longer so that DP can just grab it on his way in in the morning.