aibu to not know what to pack for a c section? i don't have any support and my family are against c sections so I can't ask.

[sororitynoise]

hi everyone.

I'm quite new here and this is my first post (apart from comments)

I have an election section booked next month under the agreement of my psychiatrist due to sexual abuse trauma as a child from gang abuse.

My DH is the most wonderful, supportive man in the world but he doesn't know too much about sections apart from all of the research he does- which is medical not really experienced based.

My family know about my abuse but choose to ignore it and still associate with my abusers- so I've completely cut them out of my life, however my mother managed to drop in that 'elective c sections are terrible and wrong' before I managed to.

Please can someone advise me on what I need to bring to the hospital for baby and I? I plan to breastfeed.

I'm sorry to ask, I have tried really hard to research but I just can't find a coherent list I can understand.

I had to replace all my trousers when I got home. I'd had a massive bump that required under the bump cuts that were too painful on the wound, and I was still many, many months off my usual wardrobe.

Instead of a nighty for the first 48 hrs I alternated cheap Primark robes. I could whack my boobs out dead easy for breastfeeding and they were thin cotton so not too hot for the sauna wards.

Asda and Boots do great maternity pads and nipple shields for very cheap. You can pick up big knickers cheap there too: "full briefs".

But to echo PPs, get yourself some prunes. If you like prunes then treat yourself to the Prunes d'Agen (Waitrose) or Sunsweet as believe me you'll need them.

The very best to you xxx

Congratulations Sorority, it's such an exciting time - Ive had 2 ELCSs for medical reasons and both were fantastic. Moany's list was most like mine. I used Boots and Tesco maternity pads - nice and thick and could use them as cushions against the incision too. JL or Sainsbury's granny pants. Extra long phone charging cord was invaluable the second time around - that first night is v long and if you're like me, you'll want to stay awake staring at your baby taking a million photos. Big sports bottle with straw to refill through the night - easier than using their tiny water cups.

Also v helpful to bring two bags, one for baby, one for you. Makes finding things a bit simpler.

For the op, you can bring in your own music so worth making a playlist that's about an hour long - mine was halfway through before they started and I'd have hated to lay there in silence. Again the extra long cord will come in handy.

I'd start taking fibogel before you're admitted, and have some wind medication plus peppermint tea on hand and maybe take them whether you feel gassy or not. Trapped wind is v common after surgery and tbh it was more painful for me than the actual incision.

Try not to worry about your hair; I just brought in face wipes and lots of moisturizer in hopes that clean glowing skin would detract from crazy hair in any pictures I was in . And count on he ward being boiling hot, so a bedside fan or two and nightwear that's not too heavy would be preferable to anything that's actually appropriate for the outside world. And food - the food is dire and you won't necessarily be aware of when the orders need to go in, and they sometimes run out. Much better to bring in your own food.

Good luck! Everything will go fine. Don't let anyone spoil your joy - an ELCS is nothing to feel awkward about,and your family can butt right out. All that matters is you, your baby and your lovely DH

Oh yeah- dry shampoo!

Best thing EVER. :)

Good luck OP, and good on you for cutting your toxic family out of your life.

Nice (really really nice) smelling shower gel and lots of lovely food if you are planning on breastfeeding.

That sounds good advice whatever!

I bought some men's pj bottoms - they tend to be baggier and come up higher (so miss c-section line).

Laughing at myself at getting the command wrong.

Another piece of advice is not to stay in bed for too long. You need to find a balance between resting but also making sure you do actually have a little walk around or when the time comes that you need to toilet you will find it even harder to get out of bed.

Yes why is that 5moreminutes re postnatal wards being like a sauna? Does anyone know?

I got really weak and ill with the heat (although I was pretty ill anyway and needed a transfusion). That is my overwhelming memory of the first few days... how sick and hot and faint I felt.

Thank you everyone.

They have said they will ensure I have a private room (not sure how they can be sure???) so can I bring in my fan?

Lansinoh cream - think that's how you spell it! It's in a purple tube, about a tenner but well worth it for healing and soothing your nipples.

Don't take loads of toys for the baby like I did the first time. I didn't really think about the fact the baby would just sleep and feed!

Don't count on definitely getting a private room, I'm sure they will try their best but it's not always possible, just to manage your expectations. I was in a bay for one night then had a private room for the other two.

Don't bring a fan that has to be plugged in, all electrical items have to be tested before you can leave them plugged in.

It really doesn't matter how a baby arrives. Congrats on your imminent arrival and also kudos for how you've overcome past events.

For the breastfeeding... Lansinoh Lanolin cream. It costs a fair bit but it is worth it's weight in gold. Be generous with the amount you lather on... on and around the nipple after feeding. Totally safe for baby to ingest so don't be worried if you need to apply it more often (if nipples are really tender then apply prior to feeding).

You're so lucky to have a private room on the NHS, OP.

Hope it all goes swimmingly.

Aztec I have no idea why UK post natal wards are kept so hideously hot, except that the heating is controlled centrally not anywhere in the ward itself.

I had one c-section in the UK and then a further two in Germany, and in Germany the nice civilized en-suite rooms provided for everyone are lovely and airy and delightfully cool, with windows open most of the time...

I can't tell you about sections, but those cheap Primark nighties with the buttons at the front are great for boob access. Or I wore a stretchy maternity vest and pj trousers and just pulled the vest down.

I had one of these nursing bras for at night and it was brilliant. So comfy, and I could have it washed and dried in a day so it was always ready for action.

m.johnlewis.com/bravado-seamless-nursing-bra/p/3112169

Good luck, and all the best!

Good luck! I had to have two and they were really not as bad as feared.

I took my own big pillow in a blue pillowcase (to look different from the hospital ones) as I hate hospital pillows. I also wore old silk shirts and had a sarong. I found it more comfortable then nighties.

Something luxurious such as decent lippy or nice hand cream.

Agree with lots of the above. Not sure if it's been said but I agree on a thin robe not only for feeding if you are planning on it but also to walk to the theatre in. That's what they did when I had one. Got undressed, including knickers, and into the gown on the ward and then walked to the theatre so my bum would have been on display if I hadn't had a robe on!

Thats a shame your family aren't supportive, but it's your pregnancy and your choice. I'm having my fourth c section next month. Big knickers definitely to cover your scar, and extra of everything you would take for a normal delivery as it's normally a longer stay. Also thick sanitary/ maternity pads. Make sure you rest lots but I would advise getting up and showering and going to the toilet as soon as you feel physically able as it can help you recover quicker, but don't force yourself. Good luck with everything x

I had 3 sections - 2 emergency and 1 planned and like others have said, high waisted pants are the best way forward. I used marks and spencers full briefs in my pregnancy size. Get plenty of pairs as if the bleeding doesn't stain them then the weeping wound may well.

Remember this is a MAJOR abdominal operation so be kind to yourself, accept all the offers of help that you may receive, and follow all the advice.

Trousers or leggings which dont put any pressure on your stomach area (elasticated high waistbands also good) will be heaven.

For night time, I used a nightshirt rather than pjs just to have less layers over my stomach.

Dont plan to dry your hair too early after the op- it may hurt to stretch up.

Peppermint tea bags to make tea and ease the discomfort of trapped wind after the op.

You will still get the post natal bleeding even after a c section (most unfair I always thought - why cant they just hoover it all out!!)

Good luck and enjoy your baby x

Big massive huge cotton knockers... I'm talking Bridget jones x10!!
I used to attach a maternity pad to the top of my knickers so that it rested against the incision scar if that makes sense.. it helped the comfort factor.
Also get some arnica tablets from your local chemist. They are a herbal remedy which really helps with healing.
Buy pyjamas at least 3 times bigger than normal.
Lavender and tea tree oil for bathing then you get home. I bathed in a few drops of both twice a day for about 10 days. Be careful not to put in too much tea tree oil as it is very strong.

If you can prepare some meals and freeze them then they will really help. Spag Bol, chilli, casseroles, soups etc... stuff you can take out of the freezer and cook quickly and easily. That way you can get nutritional meals fast!

Good luck with everything xxx

Don't pack your pre-pregnancy clothes. I had a crash c section and had to send my OH home to get my big trousers.
Also take baby bottles and formula incase your milk doesn't come in. Mine took a while.

All I can recall is slip-on shoes - not trainers or similar. I didnt realise I wouldn't be able to bend down to tie them up.

Best wishes!

My top tips:

• If you are wearing pj bottoms or knickers, don't let them drop round your ankles in the loo - you'll have a job reaching down to pull them up if you're on your own.

• When getting out of bed, roll onto your side, swing your legs down over the side of the bed & use your arms to push up to sitting, as it will hurt like hell/be impossible to pull up from lying flat on your back.

I'd be wary of bringing too many accoutrements with you. A nurse gave out to me for having a large suitcase as she couldn't move around the bed and made a sarky comment about had I brought the kitchen sink too.
Definitely big knickers. A good few nighties as you will probably leak all over them especially when milk comes in.
Nice smelling little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash etc. Whenever I smell dewberry now it brings me whoosh, straight back to my first shower.
A nursing bra (x2) and breast pads.
Lansinoh for your nipples.

Hello OP, a tip from my midwife was for your husband to take a hat for baby in his pocket as the theatre can be cold.

I have had emergency and planned c-sections and both were extremely positive experiences.

Good luck for the birth and enjoy the new family you are creating with your DH xx