Planned CS - tips for recovery and packing hospital bag

[Bisquick]

For those who’ve had a planned CS, is there anything beyond a typical hospital packing list that you suggest I take along in my bag? Obviously expecting to be in longer so planning to pack a couple of overnight bags that DH can keep swapping in depending on length of stay.

Also any tips or suggestions for the recovery? Anything you wish you’d done / did that made a world of difference etc?

Thank you in advance!

Just don't go to mad on the peppermint tea if you're planning on breastfeeding as it's not advised to have a lot of it as it can reduce milk supply.

I'm having an ELCS in March and a friend has recommended taking homeopathic arnica tablets to help with healing. Take the night before, on the day and continue for 2 weeks after. She's had 3 and feels it made a difference. Good luck

And for when you're home and they take the dressing off, you can use a hairdryer on a low heat to gently dry the incision after a shower etc. I didn't have time to let it properly air dry with baby to look after etc. But letting fresh air get to it as much as possible is good!

All these tips are so useful. I’m also due to have a planned caesarean around December and feeling quite nervous but will use these tips also. I know it’s not the most important thing but I can’t help but think about the potential scarring. Does everyone get this ‘overhang’ I’ve read about or is it just hit and miss?

I didn't with my first elcs. Had my second 2 weeks ago so I'm still waiting to see how it turns out. Stomach does seem a bit saggier this time so I think I might end up with one but I hope not... First scar healed fine. It was very low (not visible above underwear), very thin and faded to a pinkish colour. Curious to see how it ends up this time (they use the same incision so I'll still only have 1 scar).

I'm having an elective too , and assuming that a last minute pedicure won't be allowed ?

Thank you so much!
And Leither And laketaupo - good luck with your sections too! Leither I’m having mine mid-Dec too!

I ended up with an emcs yesterday to have my little girl, so am a little under prepared for my recovery. Thanks to OP for starting this thread and everyone for their tips; have a shopping list longer than me for DH to sort out whilst I’m in hospital!!

Slippers that you can just slip your feet into, rather than the type you need to bend over and pull on.

Oh, and flip flops for using in the shower. I didn't think of this and although only in one night I desperately wanted a shower. I caught athlete's foot in there which eventually infected my toenails and took years to get rid of. Vile!

Oh congratulations ReggaeIrish - hope you and the baby are doing very well! And good luck with the recovery.

And Legolady - bend over? What kind of crazy yoga position is that? I haven’t been able to attempt such a thing in months