What bag is best to bring for a post natal stay after an ELCS?

[LillianFullStop]

What bag is best to bring for a post natal stay after an ELCS? I am bringing quite a bit but struggling whether to bring

1 big suitcase that I know I would not be able to lift onto the bed after surgery

vs

Multiple smaller bags that I could manage lifting on my own

I'm bringing more clothes and snacks than usual given the no visitor policy so DH and can't come in and out bringing extra things and food. I am also bringing special bottles and ready made formula as my baby has been diagnosed with with cleft lip and palate. I'm potentially in for a longer stay also in case baby needs additional feeding help.

Would I be able to kneel or squat down onto the floor to get things out of my bag after a cesearean? Or is that a no-no? Would I just need to buzz and get someone to help me lift my bag every time I need something? Or do I need to just leave it open on the bed and try to sleep with it at the foot of my bed. Or lay out the things on my bed.

Sounds like a nightmare either way

I just had my planned c section on Thursday. My partner was allowed to stay with me but wasn’t allowed in and out. We brought 1 backpack with baby things, 1 backpack with husbands things, 1 small suitcase with my things, carrier bag of food and drink. My husband took out the things I needed from my bag once we got into our room after the section. I wouldn’t have been able to squat or bend over till the second day. My husband would put the bag on the bed or chair and I picked out what I needed.

Oh @Moongirl10 that's lucky your DH was allowed in with you! Our hospital is quite strict he can stay in recovery for 1 hour then he has to leave when I go to the post natal ward. No visiting at all so he won't see us until we are discharged.

I’m sorry to hear that! In that case I would be asking for a lot of help from the nursing staff and maybe have your bag up on a chair opened so you can access what you need.

I took a cabin sized suitcase with luggage organiser bags to ensure I wasn't routing around in there. If you have no visitors then your chairs can be used as a luggage rack to avoid bending. Take a seperate backpack for food. Ask the MW for help when she is there to ensure everything is within easy reach, e.g. Phone charger plugged in, water and snacks nearby etc.

Good luck! It's an exciting time, I'm sure you'll be well looked after, there are always so many people to help at the hospital.