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C section hospital bag help

12 replies

ShinyWorthKeeping · 29/05/2024 21:54

Hi, so I'm due DD2 in around 4 weeks, I'm having a c section this time around and unsure of what I might need to pack in my hospital bag.

DD1 was born vaginally almost 13 years ago (absolutely horrific birth) so I feel completely clueless about what I might want/need.

Feeling quite anxious about the birth so would like to prepare as much as possible so if there's anything specific I'd need for a c section or anything useful/not obvious/etc I'd love to make a list of ideas and get a bag prepared.
Thank you!

OP posts:
Willowkins · 29/05/2024 22:32

I'm guessing you'll be staying overnight so change of underwear (comfy biggest pants you've got) toothbrush, night time pads. Maybe something to read/do, recharging cable and powerbank. Water and energy bars. Also stuff for the baby of course. Newborn outfit and nappies etc.
My C-Section was so peaceful that it came as a complete surprise when I heard a baby crying - like, where did that come from?

NewmumtoPickles2023 · 29/05/2024 22:48

Hello, just recently had emergency c section and am also a nurse.

I would advice the following:

High waisted knickers and leggings - to go over your wound. Nothing should be rubbing off your wound.

Pull up high waisted maternity pants - I wish I tried one before giving birth because I had allergic reaction to one, I had blisters on my tummy from wearing them so pls try them first.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen - don't wait for nurses and midwife, take them as soon as you need them.

Sippy cup/water bottle with handle - this is really a must. The one that doesn't leak. I had one where it lies with me in hospital bed because it was too painful to reach for it from the table.

Long phone charger or power bank.

Portable/handheld fan - I got too hot and sweaty right after the c section. I sweat like a river.

Incontinence sheets - it was very useful for me whilst in hospital. In the middle of the night, I was not too quick to get to the toilet, I peed on my pad and it was leaking on my leg all the way to the floor so I just threw incontinence sheets on the floor and continued to peed on it. I know right, it was hard during those times.

Lots of wet wipes.

.....And lots of assertiveness towards the staff regarding visitors. The units are busy I think they should allow visitors to come in and stay longer so they can help new mothers as the staff can't always help quickly.

....and remember to ask one of the theatre staff to kindly take photos of the special event.

All the best and hopefully everything goes well for you and the baby.

Businessflake · 29/05/2024 22:51

Helpful to have a button up nightdress rather than PJs for the catheter and breastfeeding access if relevant for you.

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Nitwittishy · 29/05/2024 22:53

Disposable pants and maternity pads
If you're in more than one night, waterproof slip on shoes like crocs (loo/shower floor was always damp)
Earphones, charger, etc.

Hiddenvoice · 29/05/2024 22:58

I used the Frida disposable c section underwear. They were pretty comfy and very soft.
I would go for a button down nightie instead of pjs- I’d also take a couple as my little one had a lot of spit up as a newborn and I was covered.
Crocs or slip on shoes, far easier than trying to get trainers on.
A dress or something very loose fitting for going home.

I used a power bank for my phone instead of a long charging cable.
A fan as it’s fairly hot inside!

I didn’t take my own pain killers as the hospital were great with keeping on top of it and I just buzzed when I thought I needed more.

I also didn’t bother with a book etc as I was exhausted and slept when I wasn’t feeding the baby

Dinosaurpoo · 29/05/2024 23:03

Wind-ease tablets. I got audio trapped wind after my second c- section. Didn’t pack any as I didn’t have it the first time and really regretted if!

all the high waisted pants, trousers etc. nothing that will touch your scar.

amd more clothes than you think you need for the baby. Mucous doesn’t get squeezed out Of them in the same o way as when they deliver vanginally, so c- section babies can be a bit pukey. Mine liked to puke on freshly changed clothes!

all the best @ShinyWorthKeeping

MillyMollyMandy01 · 29/05/2024 23:04

Flip flops - you can’t bend down and they’re easy to put on, even if you’re a bit swollen & also wear them in the shower.
Your most charming self, to make friends with the midwives & staff as it will make such a difference to your care & the baby’s. They will really help you if you’re super-nice to them.

OopsieeDaisy · 29/05/2024 23:06

Agree with previous suggestions of a fan, button up nightie, flip flops and a long phone charger.
For big pants, I’d recommend the M&S high waisted cotton ones, they’re so soft and comfy over the scar.
Clothes wise, I couldn’t tolerate anything remotely tight for at least a week, even leggings as I was still quite swollen and bloated so wore joggers a couple of sizes too big to go home in, but a loose dress would do too.

TamD71 · 29/05/2024 23:10

I took peppermint capsules (for wind)and arnica. Not sure if the arnica helped but I had a quick recovery! Good luck!

seven201 · 29/05/2024 23:12

I have a 7 month old planned c-section baby and still haven't put away my big granny pants. They're so comfy! Personally I didn't buy any disposable pants, just used pads. Find out about the pain meds as some hospitals want you to take in your own paracetamol and ibuprofen. Mine was amazing and gave me a sheet, oramoprh, paracetamol and ibuprofen and I was in charge of giving it to myself on time. What a great idea! Must save so much nurse time too. Think everything has been covered. I loved both my planned c-sections!

mydudero · 29/05/2024 23:15

I just had an emergency c-section 6 weeks ago with DS. After the first night I asked my DP to bring up a nightlight as I couldn't reach the light switch on the wall in my cubicle, and went to sleep that night with my big light on as I didn't want to have to feed, change etc in the dark. Nice to have something you can reach easily with a soft glow instead of a harsh hospital light. And I have used it daily for every night feed since!
Also disposable maternity knickers, I used a brand called Emma Jane. Great to put a big maternity pad in. I didn't think you bled much postpartum after a c-section for some reason, but I did! Nothing compared to my vaginal first birth, but I had a small bit of placenta left after with DD. For the first couple of weeks or so after my recent EMCS it was still much heavier than a normal period for me. The disposable knickers are sort of baggy, they don't sit against the skin so great as I couldn't bear anything to touch it for a good couple of weeks. Lived in nighties, dresses etc also.
Also very big Bridget Jones knickers for after, I tried on a normal pair a few days ago and still can't wear anything where the elastic sits by the wound. I had a couple of packs of 3x really big stretchy pairs from primark, more like shorts. And now we're away and I needed more than 6 pairs so just bought some regular high waisted knickers from Asda and they're fine, the elastic doesn't touch the wound at all.

Good luck, hope all goes well xx

TattedBarley · 29/05/2024 23:20

Agree with PPs, especially on wet wipes, pain relief and big pants. Had my DD nearly 2 years ago via emergency cs and I still haven’t stopped wearing my granny pants 🤣 high waisted and as big as possible, anything rubbing on the wound is not nice!
Also plenty of muslin squares, they were handy for popping over my shoulders while burping baby in case of sick-ups (there were plenty) Good luck!x

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