what do i need to take and do for my c-section?

[topsy1]

i know that this has been asked before, but can't find thread. booked in next fri for elective c-section and unsure what to take and how to prepare myself...can anyone help?

Had an emergency c-s after being in labour for 37 hours, so all came as a bit of a shock. Make sure you've packed loads of baby stuff - we weren't expecting a stay in hospital and ran out of clean baby clothes and nappies at one point.

Totally agree about the big knickers and I'd go for big nighties rather than pj's, as I found it difficult to bend down.

Even if you're not planning on using baby wipes with your baby, take some for yourself. Wards are very hot and you might find you sweat a lot after the delivery - it's your body getting rid of the excess fluid. I found these great for freshening up.

HFM - I wasn't allowed out of bed for about 20 hours post op, so couldn't change dd. However, m/ws were excellent, told me to buzz whenever she needed changing or feeding and they sorted us out.

Don't expect to be up and running around 5mins after, although I would say get up and mobile as soon as you can. I'm sure it encourages healing and it'll make you feel better. Not wanting to worry anyone, but being completely truthful, it took about 16 weeks until I really felt (physically) recovered. Know your limits and don't over do it.

Best of luck.

I'd say the same as nellycake on timing - I've had two csections - first emergency after a nice long labour and second was planned. Recovery is definitely quicker for a planned one, but you won't be mobile for a good 12 to 24 hours afterwards which means someone else has to change baby and bring him/her to you/lay them down again. It is a bit cumbersome, but there are some plusses - the first nappy gets the black sticky stuff called meconium which is unpleasant and hard to clean up. dh had to change those for both my kids as I couldn't move