Hospital bag for ELCS

[p0rridge]

I'd really appreciate some help knowing what on earth to pack for my ELCS, please. I'm a couple of weeks away and I've packed and repacked several bags but I have no idea what I'm doing and how much I need to take with me.

Would someone please be willing to answer some questions?

• Do you need to take a small bag into theatre with clothes/nappies for baby?
• How big/small a bag should you take into the ward afterwards?
• I don't know how long I'll be staying - what do I need to pack in the way of nightdress/pjs/underwear/leggings etc?
• Maternity pads - how many to take? Is 1 pack of 10 likely to be enough or do I need more?
• How many nappies am I likely to need? Same goes for wipes - I assume 1 pack is enough?
• How many sleepsuits/bodysuits per day?
• I keep reading on here that people say to take snacks - how much did you pack to take with you?
• Is just 1 dark towel ok or should I expect to be bleeding heavily and potentially need more?

Sorry for slightly inane questions - I think I'm getting really anxious about the delivery and this is just another thing I can't get my head around now. I'm also worried in case I can't have my DH with me and am subsequently left alone for 3 days without enough stuff, so I don't really know how to handle that.

Hello!
I've had 2 ELCSs so here are my thoughts:

• Do you need to take a small bag into theatre with clothes/nappies for baby?

This one I don't know, sorry! I've had GA both times so baby was taken out to DH from theatre (wrapped up) so he had a bag with him.

• How big/small a bag should you take into the ward afterwards?

Not too big! There's not a lot of space, though if you're not allowed visitors on postnatal ward you'll need to have enough...

• I don't know how long I'll be staying - what do I need to pack in the way of nightdress/pjs/underwear/leggings etc?

You'll prob want to be in nightie the day after until you get catheter out. Wards are always boiling so a light dressing gown is handy.

• Maternity pads - how many to take? Is 1 pack of 10 likely to be enough or do I need more?

Assuming you'll be in for two days that should be fine (and again, they just put an inco pad under you until catheter is out - glamorous.

• How many nappies am I likely to need? Same goes for wipes - I assume 1 pack is enough?

Yep!

• How many sleepsuits/bodysuits per day?

I'd guess two per day, though my babies weren't sicky. Muslins are good to have too.

• I keep reading on here that people say to take snacks - how much did you pack to take with you?

I brought cartons of juice and dried fruit. Again, ward is hot and while HCAs keep a jug of water beside your bed it's hard to reach when you're sore!

• Is just 1 dark towel ok or should I expect to be bleeding heavily and potentially need more?

I showered on day 2 and then was discharged so should be okay.

Good luck! The only thing I would add is nipple cream if you're breastfeeding and breast pads for leaking either way!

• Do you need to take a small bag into theatre with clothes/nappies for baby?

I wasn’t allowed to take a bag, just a nappy and a hat if you have one - mine were wrapped in blankets after birth.

• How big/small a bag should you take into the ward afterwards?

Mine was a surprise elcs due to pe so I ended up with stuff cobbled together over the few days, it was a pretty large bag (Cath Kidston weekend bag for size guide) and a separate bag similar in size for babies and stuff.

• I don't know how long I'll be staying - what do I need to pack in the way of nightdress/pjs/underwear/leggings etc?

I lived purely in my dressing gown whilst I was in for 2 days afterwards, was too knackered for getting dressed! I had an outfit to go home in.

• Maternity pads - how many to take? Is 1 pack of 10 likely to be enough or do I need more?

I’d take two packs, and pop a pad over giant knickers over your wound/scar for travelling home to help it hurt less, it’s bliss!

• How many nappies am I likely to need? Same goes for wipes - I assume 1 pack is enough?

One pack of nappies will be fine, my newborns got through about 10 a day each. Didn’t use wipes in the hospital, only cotton wool and water.

• How many sleepsuits/bodysuits per day?

I’d allow for 3 of each per day, so maybe 6 and a spare?

• I keep reading on here that people say to take snacks - how much did you pack to take with you?

I’d pack lots of drink as I was dying of thirst afterwards or spare change if you’re allowed someone with you to go to the vending machine. I’d also pack any snack you enjoy that’s easy to open and eat as I couldn’t move properly until the next day (afternoon section). I was ravenous afterwards, and whilst we were in my babies always needed feeding when it was food time.

• Is just 1 dark towel ok or should I expect to be bleeding heavily and potentially need more?

I had one large dark bath sheet, but didn’t shower in the hospital before going home. Gross I know, was in too much pain and scared to leave my babies.

As pp said, defo nipple cream (doubles up as a lip balm too), pre made formula milk in the sterilised bottles and breast pads. I struggled to bf and supplemented with formula at the mw advice.

Oh, and phone charger to keep in touch/take endless photos of your beautiful baby!

Good luck!

Thank you both so much! I've finally managed to pack and am feeling a huge sense of relief. I've gone for a small bag but another one to leave in the car as well just in case DH can't stay with me and I might need extras.

Thank you!