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Original poster

What non essentials do you pack for a c section

38 replies

Madhousemam · 04/06/2023 18:17

So I have all the essential stuff babys things my stuff just wondering what non essentials did you find helpful I have a pack of 4 Diet Coke with me as need the caffeine and a few munchies for the night time feeds it's been 8 years since my last child so forgotten almost everything

OP posts:
Trying81 · 04/06/2023 19:19

Phone charger with long wire

Pregnancy pillow if have one; hold it against your stomach if you need to cough / sneeze and it doesn’t hurt stitches as much

If there’s a chance you’ll be in for a few days afterwards painkillers, my ward was very slow bringing them round and it was often 6/7 hours before I got the next lot

Thesunwillcomeoutverysoon · 04/06/2023 19:21

Cosy socks.. Boiled sweets. Pen and puzzle book. A good book to read.

MaryJean87 · 04/06/2023 19:23

A book or magazine to read if you can't sleep during the night. Hand cream. Snacks. I took make up and hair dryer as I liked to feel like myself. Extra bath towel for you and blankets for baby.

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Original poster
Madhousemam · 04/06/2023 19:23

Trying81 · 04/06/2023 19:19

Phone charger with long wire

Pregnancy pillow if have one; hold it against your stomach if you need to cough / sneeze and it doesn’t hurt stitches as much

If there’s a chance you’ll be in for a few days afterwards painkillers, my ward was very slow bringing them round and it was often 6/7 hours before I got the next lot

The hanks didn't even think about my own painkillers I'll pop them in my bag now before I forget I have a long charger but can't pack it yet as use it still I go in in 2 weeks time although had a scare the other day so could be sooner so trying to get things together sooner rather then later

OP posts:
MaryJean87 · 04/06/2023 19:23

And flip flops to wear in the shower.

Original poster
Madhousemam · 04/06/2023 19:25

Thesunwillcomeoutverysoon · 04/06/2023 19:21

Cosy socks.. Boiled sweets. Pen and puzzle book. A good book to read.

Oooo never thought about socks either will pack them up I have a kindle to take with me as read on that might download a few books that interest me over the next few days then hide it away

OP posts:
Original poster
Madhousemam · 04/06/2023 19:25

MaryJean87 · 04/06/2023 19:23

And flip flops to wear in the shower.

Got flip flops all ready

OP posts:
Changeforachange · 04/06/2023 19:29

Massive bottle of prune juice & fresh fruit.

(Sorry to lower the tone but I was terrified of the post birth poo second time around).

Peanutbutteryday · 04/06/2023 19:29

Snacks!

Mooshroo · 04/06/2023 19:37

Handheld fan for the baking post natal ward 🥵

iwasthewalrus · 04/06/2023 19:38

I’d upgrade to full fat coke. If ever there’s a time, this is it

loulamay · 04/06/2023 19:47

As well as the long charger pack a peg so that you can clip the charger to your bed. If it slips and you're alone there's no way you can get up to retrieve it!

Dry shampoo, bag for any dirty laundry, ear plugs and eye mask. MASSIVE knickers. You need very high waisted ones that will sit well above your cut.

Second the snacks and fan!

Redlarge · 04/06/2023 19:47

Pain killers, drinks,pads, energy bars/snacks.
Warm blanket.
Towel.
Lip balm.

grapehyacinthisactuallyblue · 04/06/2023 19:50

If you have packed everything, then think about what would make you feel happy and comfortable.

LittleMrsPerfect · 04/06/2023 19:53

In addition to a pregnancy pillow a cushion for the car home to pit between you and the seatbelt as without it the seatbelt will sit directly over your scar!!

bagforlifeamnesty · 04/06/2023 19:54
  • Face wipes
  • hair bobbles and clips
  • long nighties rather than PJs. Shirt style is best
  • Massive high waisted knickers
  • socks
  • flip flops
  • towel
  • sources of entertainment that don’t rely on decent Wi-Fi - download shows in advance, same with music, take books too. Might not have any signal. Also don’t forget you might be last on the list so could be waiting several hours before you even go in so have loads ready.
  • headphones
  • chargers for all/any of the above plus phone
  • some coins/cash in case you’re kept in a while and you end up convincing one of the nurses or another patients OH to grab you snacks from the hospital shop 😉
  • Cranberry juice for after the catheter 😬
  • A million snacks
Chanel05 · 04/06/2023 19:55

Dressing gown tie. You tie it to the end of your bed so that you can pull yourself up.

ohhollyfred · 04/06/2023 19:59

Definitely your own Paracetemol and ibruprofen. It's pretty much all they will give you and it's key to keep on top of it - you don't want to be waiting for them to bring you more if they are busy!

MrsBigTed · 04/06/2023 20:01

I second lip balm, and also a couple of empty plastic bags that you can gather rubbish in, or for putting gifts in if anyone visits you.

Notepad and pen in case you're told anything you need to remember.

Mini bottle of cordial in case the hospital water is nasty.

RedRobin100 · 04/06/2023 20:05

I brought my phone and headphones into theatre with me and listened to music during the section. It helped calm me and take my mind off what was happening - I was an emo wreck..

justplantedbulbs · 04/06/2023 20:32

Lip balm! As mentioned above. The wards are so warm and your lips dry out so quick!

absol · 04/06/2023 20:33

Bobbles

namechanger563 · 04/06/2023 20:38

Peppermint Tea for the trapped wind and digestion.

Make yourself a 'support sausage'. When I had my C section a midwife made one for me. It was just a rolled up pillowcase tucked in to another pillowcase to make a big squishy sausage shape. Then when you start to sit up or move, use your sausage to support your stitches. You will find it so much easier to move.

Pteryl · 04/06/2023 20:39

I packed all the essentials and only used my iPhone charger (get your husband to plug it in before he leaves), some flapjacks, a change of baby clothes (they peed everywhere when I took off the nappy), a couple of nappies, and a bottle of cold drink! I had the section at 8pm, then left by 3pm the next day so didn’t bother changing out of my gown (found it easier feeding anyway). was much easier to read kindle on my phone than a book as you can do it one handed!!

Mummy08m · 04/06/2023 20:42

Chanel05 · 04/06/2023 19:55

Dressing gown tie. You tie it to the end of your bed so that you can pull yourself up.

100% this, best advice ever

Also some bottles of water or coconut juice. They kept just bringing me tiny cups of water, hours apart, and I was so thirsty I drank my baby's spare formula! I remember it tasting so good, I must have been that thirsty. I tried it again at home a few weeks later and I had to spit it out immediately lol.

Also salty crackers to snack on and a thin dressing gown - although it was really hot in the ward, I got weird chilly skin sometimes as I was running a fever.

Also, double the number of maternity pads you think you'll need. Maybe triple it