Looks like I've packed for a 2 week stay!

[Grapesoda]

Hi. Going in for my c section in a couple of weeks. I've just finished packing my bag bags acording to the guidance on the hospital leaflet and i'm embarrassed that i have two med sized holdalls, a pillow and my capacious handbag. Does this sound ridiculous? Packing stories please.

I had two huge bags with ds. Over half never got used.

How far away from the hospital are you?

Could you take the basics and then have dh bring in more stuff as needed?

No, it doesn't sound ridiculous tbh, especially if you know that you're going to be staying in for a few days.

It makes sense to have things that you'll need on the day of your CS ie nappies, baby clothes, maternity pads etc in one bag, then other stuff ie changes of clothes, magazines, slippers/flip flops in another bag that someone can take in when you're settled on a ward.

Hope it goes well.

I took loads, including a cool box for DC1.

Second time around I took less, but packed into separate smaller bags, clearly labelled for DH (who had brought some of the wrong stuff first time around).

So I think I had a bag for labour (t-shirt, oils, CD, TENS, etc) then another for afterwards (clean PJs, towel, pads, barely opened as I was home the same day) and another with my going-home clothes and make-up, hairbrush, etc. We then only brought the first one into the room with us.

First time around I had a Pezzi ball inflated in the car. Didn't bother second time, only used it at home.

I used two bags (must get packing them) with both dc one for me and one for baby. I also had a Tesco carrier bag with fruit/squash/snacks to use for dirty clothes. My ex p doesn't have a clue so I also left z bag of spare nappies/sleep suits/big pants/socks etc in the car.

I found it was the nappies/breast pads/mat pads that took up loads of room really. I was in and out both times before but also having c section thus time and would rather have too much than not enough!!

The thing that DH screwed up first time around was my going-home bag and outfit. He couldn't find it, and grabbed any old stuff out of my wardrobe. It was a blistering hot summer day and I was wearing a heavy top which made me sweat buckets. Not great for the stress levels.

My outfit etc second time around (just a tunic and leggings, but new) was very carefully chosen and the bag put in the hallway with a HUGE label on it.

If you know you are going to be in for a while, it makes sense to have things you might want....although I don't think a handbag is necessary, probably just some cash (a few notes, coins, card).

I've packed abotu 24 hours worth, then another 24 hours worth in another bag left at home for DH to bring in the next day. With DS1 there really was no room at all for stuff and you'd have to unpack into the tiny locker and send home the bag and excess anyway.

most important thing is flip flops - you do not wanna go barefoot in the post natal showers!

First time round, I had a suitcase.

Second time, he arrived the day before my Internet order of baby related stuff arrived (he was four weeks early), and I grabbed a couple of baby vests and babygrows from the ironing pile, and a wash bag.

He arrived at 1.45am, we borrowed a nappy off another mum, and sent DH to a supermarket at 3am for essentials.

(Home by lunch the next day, and he slept on my bed until a friend came round with a Moses basket. Next day, two huge boxes of stuff arrived...)

Thanks.
Need to pack flip flops!

So, has anyone had a c section and then been on an open ward? (Thinking less room for stuff) rather than in a single room?

Had 2 sections and both times was in a 4 bedded bay.Expect to stay 2 nights.I would say essentials are dressing gown,nightie,slippers/flip flops,all your baby's clothes,mat pads,feeding bra if that's what you plan,breast pads,going home outfit (something with comfy waist like mat leggings & loose top as don't want pressure on scar,)big pants,cotton wool for nappy changing,and don't forget make-up and hairbrush for when you can get up and walk again & have to welcome visitors!Small things like that made me feel better!Take at least 2 hats for baby,both times they have got really dirty when a nice clean white hat has been put on freshly delivered baby's heads..I've probably forgotten to list stuff too but yes,all this takes up at least 2 bags,.you are not ridiculous

I was in a 4 bed bay. no room at all for bags, just bed and locker then next bed, which is why we had to unpack and send the suitcase home till we were collected

its min 48 hours but with DH comming in every day I'd get him to bring in stuff and take home what I wasn't using or washing

like with most operations they like to keep you at least initially in an open bay near the desk where they can keep a more regular eye on you, rather than out of the way in a side room, also if anyone has any complications and there's no nurse in the baby the other patients can ring the bell for them.

for that reason we weren't allowed the curtains closed during the day unless for a clinical reason like having a DR check or a BF lesson