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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Hospital bag for section

22 replies

blackteaplease · 02/10/2015 01:55

I know this has been done to death but can anyone add to my list. I have my 3rd section booked for 3 weeks, I have read loads of lists online and can no longer think straight.

So far I have packed
Front opening nighty
leggings, vest and cardigan
going home outfit for me
5 pairs big pants
1 night bra
big dark towel
lightweight dressing gown
flipflops
1 pack pads
breast pads
toiletries

Pack of nappies
water wipes
5 x vests
5 x babygros
hat, booties, scratchmits
1 cardigan
snowsuit and blanket for going home

water bottle with sports lid
dried apricots
cereal bars
cartons of apple juice

What have I missed out that is essential?

OP posts:
FluffyPersian · 02/10/2015 16:35

Phone charger? Laptop? Smile I think if my pregnancy comes to fruition I'd be really depressed if I couldn't access the internet!

Do you mind me asking if your first 2 C sections went 'well'? I'm pushing desperately for an ELCS due to anxiety reasons and if you're going for a 3rd one, hopefully the first two went well? (and this one does too!)

Original poster
blackteaplease · 02/10/2015 16:54

Ah yes. Charger is essential I would be lost without the internet too.

I have had 1emcs due to missed breech which was fairly calm but in the middle of the night so I was quite knackered afterwards. The 2nd was elms and was v calm. The anaesthetists and surgeons at both were amazing.

Post natal ward was not much fun but I don't think it is for anyone. And getting discharged is a nightmare, seems to take hours for some reason.

OP posts:
poocatcherchampion · 04/10/2015 10:22

Jelly babies. Grin

Bring your sugar up after the op.

poocatcherchampion · 04/10/2015 10:24

Maybr book or magazine in case you have to wait.

I'm preparing for my third c section. I've done the baby babg and snack bag. I'm going to steal your list for mummy-bag when I can be bothered

JaniceWeAreLeaving · 05/10/2015 21:41

Snowsuits for the baby aren't recommended if traveling in a car seat because during a car crash they decompress.

Original poster
blackteaplease · 06/10/2015 10:41

Aren't they? I know that coats arent recommended as you can't get the straps up accurately. It's a fluffy one not a squishy one but I will switch for a cardigan and blanket.

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Sparrowlegs248 · 06/10/2015 10:47

I didn't bother with a dressing gown - its always far too warm on the wards.

Book and cash. Cotton wool rather than wipes.

Re the elcs - had on mine 10 weeks ago and it was great (due to large breech baby) i was feeling pretty good a few days later, driving after 3 weeks and stacking bales of hay this weekend!

Original poster
blackteaplease · 06/10/2015 10:58

Glad to hear you had a swift recovery nottalotta. I am hoping for similar as we are quite rural here. Driving will be a big help.

I know from experience that I won't have the energy/patience to read a book. Took one in 1st time and it didn't leave my bag.

I can't be fussed with cotton wool and water. I will be doing most of the nappy changes as dh will have to be home looking after dc 1 and 2 and midwives tend to not be as helpful if it isn't your first child.

OP posts:
Zombiemama · 06/10/2015 11:02

Peppermint tablets! Having had an emergency section I hadn't been prepared at all now for anyone I know being induced especially I always advise them to ask for these if they end up in a section as the pain from trapped wind can be horrendous!
I actually thought I was having a heart attack! The relief from that first Rennie tablet was amazing

Good luck op hope it goes well

Sparrowlegs248 · 06/10/2015 11:04

Yes we are rural too, not driving for 6 weeks would have been a nightmare! I phoned insurance and they were happy if my gp was happy.

I found wipes a bit rubbish at getting the first poos off so used cotton wool and water for that. Although wipes were handy to have for myself aswell .

What was your second recovery like? I was told straightway that i could have a vaginal delivery if i have another baby but tbh the elcs was so calm and straight forward that id quite like another! Just wondering whether recovery is harder as you go on?

Original poster
blackteaplease · 06/10/2015 11:22

2nd recovery was ok but I got a wound infection. I had just under 3 years gap. I would think if you had a smaller gap then it would be harder as your d c1 would have more need to be carried 2nd have nappy changes etc.

OP posts:
Sparrowlegs248 · 06/10/2015 13:09

Oh yes good point re carrying. I've had a bit of an issue with in growing hairs but fx its resolved now.

Good luck hope it goes well for you.

LikeSilver · 06/10/2015 13:22

Lip balm? My lips always got dry in hospital as the wards are so hot. And not so much in your hospital bag but for the drive home - a cushion or blanket to put between your scar and the seat belt - the speed bumps outside the hospital were always the most painful bit by far for me!

Good luck.

Original poster
blackteaplease · 06/10/2015 18:49

Lip balm is in the washbag. Good point on the cushion, it's 45mins down country lanes to get home from the hospital. I will stick one in the car.

OP posts:
Original poster
blackteaplease · 06/10/2015 19:00

Just spotted jelly babies and peppermint on this thread, will stick those on the list too.

OP posts:
CakeInMyFace · 10/10/2015 03:47

I'd bring a few more things to eat. I was absolutely starving after mine 4 weeks ago and due to timing missed the lunch. I couldn't stop eating and the dinner meal was tiny so was so glad for muffins etc. Also if you go home next day as I did bring something to hold over scar on drive home. And ask for a shot of morphine beforehand. I was discharged 24 hrs later and the drive home was hell and the worst part of the whole thing. Was screaming like a lunatic at dh the whole way!

Original poster
blackteaplease · 10/10/2015 04:57

Ah yes. I am scheduled for the afternoon so will miss lunch and quite likely dinner too. I hadn't thought of that, my other sections were at midnight and 11am so I still got some food.

I am in a different hospital this time and they prefer you to stay 3 nights! No chance of a 24 hr discharge but I will be pushing for 48hr all being well.

OP posts:
AlcoholicsUnanimous · 10/10/2015 07:27

Maybe some paracetamol and ibuprofen, in case they're not too hot on giving painkillers on the postnatal ward. There were many times I was left begging for painkillers 8 hours after the last dose.

BikeRunSki · 10/10/2015 07:32

Lipsyl
Shower gel and shampoo on a hook.
Pillow to put over your scar on the car journey home.

Original poster
blackteaplease · 10/10/2015 07:33

Painkillers are in the washbag already. Last time they missed at least one dose for me and had to give me tramadol. I have packed my own and will be on the buzzer if I need anything at all.

OP posts:
NeophyteStarfish · 19/10/2015 13:37

Do you have other slippers/thick socks as well as/instead of flip flops? Last time, I had to wear support stockings for 10 days, which don't fit easily in flip flops with the bar that goes between the big toe and second toe.

p.s. good luck - been reading the thread for myself again too, to remind me for this time!

Original poster
blackteaplease · 19/10/2015 13:45

Oh, I forgot about the support stockings. I don't have any slippers at the moment. It was more to have something on my feet to go to the loo/shower. I get really hot in hospital so wouldn't wear them all the time.

Hmm, will have a think what I can use.

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