Hospital bag plus recovery tips for elective c section

[Exexe]

please.

I've got all the usual stuff - clothes, pads, slippers, gown, baby clothes, blanket etc in my hospital bag.
Does anyone have any further suggestions/tips. Is it worth taking books or a tablet?
Should I get some tea tree oil?

Thanks.

[RancerDoo]

Tablet is a good idea (you're likely to be in for a bit) but beware re theft.
I found books too hard to follow after having a bby, but magazines would work.

Tea tree oil might be useful in the bath when you get home but I wouldnt bother taking it to hospital.

Other things:

A fold up baby changing mat, spare towel, pillow for you.
Lip salve
Peppermint tea in case you get trapped wind after the op
Knickers that sit above your scar. NCT do some giant mesh ones I always think look helpful.
Nipple cream if you are going to bf.

[Exexe]

Thanks. I've got a towel for me and the one for the baby, huge knickers and lasinoh.
Will sort out changing mat, lip salve, mags and peppermint tea.

[TheBeanAndTheBee]

Yoga type trousers with those fold downable waistbands. I got mine from sweaty Betty I think, and lived in them. You won't be wanting to wear anything with zips in for a while. Yes to big pants. Those sport type bottles of water, I always think those jugs of hospital water taste rank and you'll be insanely thirsty if bf-ing.

[SoozleQ]

I took loads of cartons of Capri sun drinks. It'll be warm and it was great just to be able to get a self contained drink off my tray without needing to call anyone or do anything whenever I wanted. Just make sure they are left within your reach. Other than that all I remember doing was cuddling my baby or playing on the phone while she was asleep so maybe charger for phone. Pretty much all the other stuff I took, other than nappies, baby clothes, dressing gown and nighty, just stayed in the case. Even maternity pads were provided by the midwives!

[TheBeanAndTheBee]

Oh and rather than books I would download a load of podcasts, great for middle of the night feeding.

[Exexe]

Thanks TheBean I'm a bit fussy about water too so will get a load of water in that dh can bring in for me every day.

[Exexe]

I was hoping to download a film or something but am clueless as to how to do that. Where do you suggest for podcasts and stuff? sorry am really clueless about that kind of stuff.

[Napsalot]

I took an eye mask -it was great as there were always lights flashing in my room and also meant I could nap better in the day.

[Exexe]

Thanks Soozle will take a box of capri suns! I do like them.

[RancerDoo]

Yy aboutthe water.
What do hospitals put into those jugs? Disgusting. DH was kind of surprised when i rang him to request 3 litres of Evian!

[Panzee]

Flip flops for the shower. No shoes with backs - you'll have trouble bending down to get them on.

[missnevermind]

Shower gel with a hook on.

Shoes you just slip your feet into, they will be swollen.

[DialMforMummy]

Earplugs. The ward can be noisy, sleep with your baby on your tummy, then you'll hear her/him when she/he wakes up. I had great nights and naps this way.

[DialMforMummy]

I got my post section knickers granny style riding, right up. I lived in tracksuit bottoms for a few weeks after birth.
I moved as little as possible for the first 24 after the cs. After that I moved more and 10 days later I was almost back to normal.
I'd leave the scar well alone IIWY.

[Nevercan]

Go home and soon as you feel well enough as your get more rest and better sleep back in your own home

[didireallysaythat]

I was only in for one night after my elective so you not need to pack the kitchen sink.

Strange suggestion maybe, but a pair of tights just in case your hospital doesn't provide situp ladders. You can hoist them over the frame of the end of your bed and then grab them to walk yourself up, hand over hand, into a sitting position.