Tips please from elective cs experiences.

[Shortybabe]

Hi
Pease bring on your best tips when having an elective caesarean. From what to pack, what to do, what to wear. Many thanks. Elective cs booked in at 38 weeks for a previous section.

Long (below knee) nighties that button up a it at the front
Croc type things for shower/walking around
Breastfeeding cushion
Stretchy wrap
Sleepyhead insert for cot
Nice toiletries

My hospital provided pads, pants, nappies etc but most don't so check you have what you need

Big 120cm muslin blanket for wrapping
Few babygro things. Little hat
A book in case you're waiting around beforehand
Water bottle

everything Zaurak says

also I had TERRIBLE constipation about 3 days after (it was like I was giving birth...seriously) due to the painkillers and me eating junk. So please watch your diet, and have suppositories handy. I wouldn't want anyone to go through that pain!!

...and enjoy. I loved having an elective CS. So clean and quick - DS was in my arms in 11 mins.

Make the most of any help offered to you.

Yes to the suppositories for constipation.
It was the worst thing about the section.

Glittery - my mum nearly called an ambulance for me, the noises that were coming out of the toilet. Think she thought I was giving birth to an unknown twin!!

I have never experienced pain like it.

Tmi info alert
I was in so much pain I kept shoving them up there, then went to bed(!), woke up a few hours later and stood up and it all poured out of my bum!! It's the only time I've pooed myself and I was so happy!
Need to nc now...

haha Glittery

You DO NOT want to know what I tried to do in the middle of the night, when I didn't have suppositories, to try and dislodge.

I got very inventive think cotton buds ...no, I am saying no more

I have never been so grateful for being sent home with a bottle of lactulose. In addition to all the above I found a small cushion to hold over my wound whilst sitting up/coughing/sneezing etc. Just something small that you can grab quickly. Pillows from the bed will do but when mobility is limited it can be hard to grab one from behind you in time.

Oh god yes. Take the laxatives!! I had liquid paraffin which worked a treat but ye gods, the first poo was an experience.

And REST after. Really. Don't just pop the laundry or or 'just' do X y or z. You will heal better if you rest.

Those tray things that drape over the sofa arm from IKEA are ace once you're home and stuck under a nursing baby...

Big pants to pull up over the wound. You do not want bikini pants sitting rubbing it

Take medication/pain killers when offered. Don't wait to be in pain, they are given at set times to minimise pain

I had terrible diarrhoea after my ELCS, just goes to show how different it is for everyone!

Wet ones hand wipes so you don't have to keep getting up to wash hands was useful.

Oh and snacks! I ran out really quickly and the food was terrible and often left out of reach.

Loads of soft drinks/water.
If you can, get up as soon as they let you. I was up and walking fairly quickly with both of my sections (one crash, one elective) and for the elective I was discharged the next day.

I found maxi dresses really good as they didn't touch my scar at all. Also mint tea - make it with several teabags and it'll help any trapped wind post-op. I drank gallons of the stuff. And mesh knickers are awful but useful. Good luck OP, c-sections are amazing!