Hospital Bag Help

[MentholChill]

Hi All,

I'm due to have an ELCS in 7 weeks and am starting to think about buying the things I need for my hospital bag (got everything for baby). Having taken inspiration from other threads on MN, I have the following on my list:

Button down/nursing nighties
Slippers
Housecoat
Flip flops (for the shower)
Towel
Toiletries
Maternity pants
Nursing bras
Socks
Maternity pads
Breast pads
Lanisoh cream
Lip balm
Small hand fan
Phone/iPad/chargers
Snacks

Is there anything else you'd recommend?

I read that Boots own maternity pads were the best but they are out of stock on their website and it says they will not be replenishing the stock so any recommendations for good pads would be appreciated.

Also not sure which post op pants to get. Not sure if normal high waisted ones will do the job but I want to feel secure, so again, any recommendations gratefully received.

Thanks ladies.

I'd recommend anti bac hand gel (if you can get any) so you don't have to get up and wash your hands after changing a nappy!
Straws for drinking.
If you stay overnight keep a couple of nappies, wet wipes and the hand gel on your side table so you can easily reach them in the night. Anything to avoid getting out of bed! (I've had 2 c sections, can you tell! Lol)
Good Luck

I got cheap, black high waisted pants in a larger size than usual. They didn't hold me in but did make sure the scar wasn't rubbing on my clothes.

post natal wards are hotter than hades so i’d ditch the dressing gown (scottish and cant bring myself to call it a house coat) :)

Last thing- mini Orange Juice cartons. You'll probably be on iron supplements for a bit and the OJ can help prevent constipation!

Get the longest charging wire you can find, my friend recommended this to me and it was the most useful thing in my bag!

Also I ended up with a EMCS and had to go home in my nightie as I only had maternity trousers/PJs and the waistbands were exactly on top of my scar, so consider clothes to come home in.

Peppermint teabags/deflatine also a must - the most painful the day after for me was horrendous trapped wind which is apparently very common, one of the nurses helped me out and got me one from her personal stash which was my saviour!

Pack a second phone charger in your bag in case you forget the one you usually use.

Add some bottled water to the freezer (not totally full) when you pack, grab them before you go to the hospital.

Ditch the dressing gown, maybe chuck in (or on) a zip up hoodie or a thin cardigan.

Couple of blister packs of paracetamol in case you have to wait an age for pain relief afterwards.

Two pillowcases for the dirty clothes (yours and babies). Then when you get home you can chuck the whole lot in the wash no need to rummage through it.

@TheresALight thanks very much, all very good suggestions and tips!

@iusedtoloveopalfruits1 I'm also Scottish and NEVER call it a dressing gown, sounds too formal to me lol. I was just thinking something light as a cover up more than a big fluffy, cosy one.

Painkillers, peppermint teabags, hand sanitiser, long charging cable, bottled water, pillow cases/bags for dirty washing... all now added to the list 👍🏼 thank you!

@MentholChill just make sure it’s a dark colour. White is not a colour for a post natal ward!

As there will probably still be restrictions on hospital visitors by then, remember that no one will be able to bring you any supplies. Take two bags in with you. One in case you or the baby need to be kept in for a few days, with extra clothes, nappies and food.

Take lots of snacks and drinks, no one will be able to bring you treats from the hospital shop and you will be hungry in the middle of the night. I actually brought two packed lunches for my ELCS the other week. Nothing that would go bad on a hot ward. I really appreciated being able to have a sandwich and an apple whenever I wanted.

Take extra entertainment, headphones and charger wires. The days are long with no visitors.

On the other hand, no one will see you in his, so there is no need to look presentable and PJs and flip flops are all you will really need.

Lactulose! The hospital didn’t prescribe it and I didn’t think to ask. The first poo post-birth is slightly terrifying. And don’t do what I did and get constipated, I had the most horrific piles and it was more painful than giving birth.

If you are planning to breastfeed, and especially if this is your first, try and be really prepared. Do some research on good latch now, find out how to access local online support and pack/use loads of lanolin nipple cream.

Again, there is less support from staff and no visitors to support you in the early stages.

I don't want to be too negative, its just what I wish I had known before my ELCS the other week.

Oh, and a massive water bottle or two, so you don't have to get up and refill it so often.

I hit the pound shop for snacks and kept them in the car and a multi pack of fizzy drink cans. Dh was grateful for the Nescafe instant coffees because the hospital coffee tastes like soil

@iusedtoloveopalfruits1 Good shout! Black it is.

@TeddyIsaHe The thought of piles terrifies me more than the section 🙈 will def add some lactulose to the bag.

@setsoma I'm really hoping that restrictions will have relaxed a bit by then 🤞🏼 but I will take more than i'll probably need just in case. Hoping to be out within 24hrs (all things going well) but this is my first so really not sure what to expect. I have been watching breastfeeding videos on YouTube as I do intend to try breastfeeding. Unfortunate that I won't get to any antenatal classes due to the current situation but there is loads online so hopefully I won't feel too clueless when the time comes 🙈

You could try asking la leche league if they know of any online antenatal classes. There are loads in my area.

It's a weird video, but the most practically useful in my experience

globalhealthmedia.org/portfolio-items/attaching-your-baby-at-the-breast/[https://globalhealthmedia.org/portfolio-items/attaching-your-baby-at-the-breast/]

@setsoma thanks very much for that link, I'll have a look x

Lilletts maternity pads were what I used, buy loads you will use them. A hair tie/clip if you have long hair is invaluable!