What to pack in my hospital bag for an ELCS

[TheBlairSnitchProject]

I packed way too much last time. DS was my first baby and I had no clue what to take so I took everything!!

This time, I just seem to have a mental block when it comes to deciding what to take... Help!!

I'm having an elective c-section - what do I need in my hospital bag?

[Comma2]

yes please! What?

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Ooh - I have just compiled my hospital checklist for elective (in 7 weeks). Just need to pack it now. Hang on - will post back in a minute with my complete list!!!

[SCARYspicemonster]

Mags, books, games, drinks, snacks. You may have to wait ages if they're doing electives (I waited from 8am until 5pm) and it was really bloody boring. And I missed dinner so was starving after

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Here you go - ready?

HOSPITAL BAG PACKING CHECKLIST

BAG 1 - LABOUR / OP
Camera
Light dressing gown
Lip salve
Vest, Babygro, Hat, Mittens
Baby blanket
Nappies (x3); wipes, nappy sacks
Flip flops (instead of slippers)
List of people for Dave to call
Hospital notes

TOILETRY BAG
Shampoo
Conditioner
Cleanser/eye make-up remover
Toner
Moisturiser
Mascara, eyeliner
Hairbrush
Deodrant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hand cream/body moisturiser
Lipstick
Hand mirror
Scrunchies

 
BAG 2 ? WARD (ONCE PHONE CALLS MADE)
Nightdress (x2)
Disposable knickers
Over bump knickers
Sanitary pads
Ipod & earphones
Pen & Paper
Purse/money
Mobile phone
Lavender oil & tea tree oil for bath?
Arnica for scar
Towels (dark coloured)
Plastic bag for dirty washing
Book/magazine
Breast pads
Nursing bra?
Food & Drinks (small cartons of juice with straws)!
Ear plugs
Boiled sweets
Word search etc

For Baby
Bodysuits & babygrows (5 of each)
Bottles
Formula
Nappies
Wipes
Nappy sacks
Cotton wool
Baby towel & flannel
Baby bath/shampoo
Cardigan

BAG 3 ? BRING IN LATER
Own pillow if needed
Clothes for going home
Car seat
Clothes to go home in

Compiled from lots of different threads on MN!!! Probably way too much, but I like to be prepared

[gingerroots]

big pants are essential i.e those that will go over scar line.

[sazlocks]

This is a great list.
Calendula tabs can help with healing as well as arnica tabs.
peppermint tea to help with all the windy bloating afterwards.
Good luck :-)

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Ooh yes Sazlocks - I have peppermint tea already by the case but haven't put on my list

[TheBlairSnitchProject]

My section should be in about 7 weeks too Will hopefully have my date on Monday...

That list is fab - thank you.

I'm sure I've seen people suggesting Arnica tablets before surgery too...Am I right? Do these help? Anyone know how?

[GreenPeas]

Arnica def helps... as does a supply of prunes/other fibre-rich snack to counter the effects of the codeine (imho )

If you have trousers to put on (PJs or going home) make sure they have a comfy waistband. The under-the-bump style can sometimes sit right across the scar site.

[sazlocks]

one more thing I found invaluable after my c section was a breastfeeding cushion as I found it quite hard to get into a good position to feed. I had one that was like a long bean bag and I also used it to prop me up in bed and keep me comfy after the op.

[SCARYspicemonster]

I'd ditch the disposable knickers and just buy really cheap massive pants in about 4 sizes bigger than you normally wear.

I wouldn't really bother with too much personal beauty stuff either - I had one shower and everything was done very gingerly. I certainly wasn't putting on body lotion - I couldn't move enough!

[SCARYspicemonster]

oh yes good point sazlocks - I had one of those blow up half doughnut ones from boots so it fit easily in my bag

[TheBlairSnitchProject]

All of my breastfeeding Pyjamas have really high waistbands but I definitely need something for coming home in...Good call GreenPeas!

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Trouble is, my MIL will come to visit me and she had two C/S back in the 60's. Apparently 2 hour after op, she was sitting up in bed with full make-up on, astounding the Drs that she had just had an op. Therefore some rudimentary eyeliner and mascara has to be in bag, complete then with the kit to take the bloody stuff off!!!

[SCARYspicemonster]

The good thing about them is that you can go into hospital with your hair done and fully made up - then you get to look beautiful in the new baby shots. Got to be some benefits to being cut open

Having said that, I looked crap in mine - a day of starvation (I was nil by mouth in case of complications) left me grey and haggard!

[kateecass]

Haven't read list properly

BUT you must have WINDEZE tablets will do same as peppermint tea but much easier in hospital.

Grapes- they don't let you out unless you do a no 2!!

Big old cheap pants, scissors and smaller sanitary towel. Old pants much better than disposable pants. Use the scissors to fashion pants so they don't rub on scar then stick small sanitary towel to inside pants at front so pants do not stick to scar. Scar heals much quicker as does not stick to pants!!

Lovely posh toiletries so that when you are coerced to shower you at least have thought of them to motivate you.!

all the rest of the stuff..you can never have to much!!

oh and take the extra pillows in car so can have them after.

I took loads both times..can u tell!!

[mcflumpy]

I'd agree with scary on the pants front ditch the disposables and products. Make sure shower gel has hanging hook as you won't want to bend down to pick it up. I'd also pack more than 2 nighties just in case.

[Comma2]

Oh goody. Can tell its the experts talking.
pants as in knickers or trousers?

[TheBlairSnitchProject]

They didn't make me shower when I had DS so I waited till I got home cause I was so scared!

Must demand help with the drain bottle this time too. They'd trussed it to the bed so well last time that I couldn't get it off and ended up breaking the seal by yanking it after they removed my catheter(sp?) and left me to it!!

They were rubbish

Pants as in both comma, you won't want anything resting on the wound if you can help it...

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Yes - pants as in v v v large knickers. I have been told that, but have already bought my disposables, so they're going in the bag regardless, but understand I probably won't wear them! Nighties rather than PJs or trousers because of resting on scar.

[TheBlairSnitchProject]

This is great, I have stolen and adapted Funnyname's list and feel a lot more prepared and calm now.

Thank you everyone

You'd think having done this before that I would know what I was doing but it was all made up on the hop last time as I was sure I wouldn't end up with a EMCS so hadn't prepared for one - the tips about sanitary towels over the scar and windeze tablets are a revelation

[TheBlairSnitchProject]

bump

[Weegle]

Things on my list which I don't think have been mentioned are: mobile charger, pocket mirror, hair drier, cash (for emergencies, snacks etc), bendy straws (much easier to drink semi lying), boiled sweets, ear plugs (yes seriously). I had a section before and am due another in 7.5 weeks and those are all things I used last time.

[TheBlairSnitchProject]

I get why ear plugs would be good (for blocking out the other womens snoring) but I'd be scared of sleeping through baby crying too!

[TheBlairSnitchProject]

I've thought of another thing...bed mats. I was left sat on a disgusting, dirty bed mat for hours after my EMCS even though I repeatedly asked for new ones.

So this time I'm going to take some with me so I can stay fresher until I'm ready for knickers and pads.

Spare ones are great for lining prams against sick and toddler car seats against accidents while potty training too