After ELCS

[wineapotamus]

Just looking for some experienced people to answer me a question. Had our pre planned section meeting with midwife today. All great and straightforward, but when I asked about help to pick baby up after the op, her response was that my dh should stay with me overnight as they have 4 nurses between 48 beds. We hadn't planned for this and it's a bit tricky as we have a 5 year old and a dog at home. We could possibly ask my sister to stay with them, but it's not ideal as ds is a bit unsettled and we'd rather dh was with him. Also not keen for dh to sleep in a chair as we'd like one of us to be on good form and not knackered when we bring the baby home. Last time though i struggled overnight in hospital and could have done with more help. Anyone have any stories, tips, advice?

Hi! I had elcs in December

Had the op at about 3pm and by 2pm was able to lift baby to change and feed. Had catheter removed the next morning

Dh went home for some sleep that morning and I was up walking. I couldn't stand being bed ridden but I'm a stubborn sod

Best advice is to keep the baby in arms reach next to your bed, keep a stock of nappies, wipes, bags snacks, bottles if you're using them in arms reach either on the shelf under the Babys cot, or as I did in bed with me!

Good luck op!

2am not pm doh!

I've had 3 ELCS and never needed DH there overnight, but it was hard picking up the baby for 48 hours in hospital.I know that I had the plastic crib very close to the bed to make it as easy as possible & used the bed controls to raise & lower the bed end to help me sit up. It's all a distant memory but I think there are special bedside cribs on most wards if you ask for them.
I just rang the bell when I needed help,I think I was encouraged to by the ward. Although they were really busy they can't ignore you & will know you need help.
Better that your partner is at home with the 5 year old and then at least one of you won't be exhausted from broken nights before you even get home.

Partners aren't allowed to stay over in the hospital I had my DS - unless you're in active labour in the labour ward. My timings were very similar to Diana and I don't remember struggling with DS (and he was a big baby!) as everything we needed was in the cot at bedside.

I've had 2 c sections. Top tip: turn the cot around so baby's feet are pointing to the side of your bed, not baby alongside. You will then not need to twist around to pick baby up, just lean. When I eventually worked this out I didn't need the midwives help at all.

I just used bedside cots after my sections (I've had 4) - they clip onto the side of your bed so are always at the right height. I keep everything I might need within reach & it was fine. Dh has never stayed over (even when I had a private room) - there's barely room for visitors on a typical PN ward.

Oh YY if you can blag a private room, I did and it saved my dignity trying to walk with jelly legs with the catheter hanging out and just a nighty on all while holding a pad on me 😂

Could your sister be at the hospital with you and your husband at home instead of the other way round? X