Hospital Bag - C Section Specific

[M00ving]

What do I need to pack and what do I need for section recovery? Any tips greatly appreciated. 37 weeks and starting to panic it's not ready!

It’s been a while but:
nightdress (as you will be catheterised)
high waisted knickers x 2 (as normal knickers will cut into wound)
breastfeeding bra/non wired bra
nightgown or comfy cardigan
slippers or slides
Some clothes to wear on the way home
clothes and nappies for baby
Pads
toiletries
playlist for the operating theatre
phone charger

good luck

early day 2 post op was the worst pain wise. I wish someone had warned me about that. Apart from that (easily solved with painkillers) it was really nice.

If it's anything like the ward I was on, then your own paracetamol and ibuprofen as the midwives were so busy that getting pain relief was a bit of a chore! Just let them know you've taken it when you do get round to seeing them!

Otherwise; a long phone charger cable, snacks, water bottle, small mouthwash, comfy loose cotton clothes, high waited pants, flip flops or sliders, face wipes, maternity pads, headphones, mini fan, lip balm.

I packed everything in packing cubes so I knew where things were and easy to reach. Meant I also kept various things in my bed so I wouldn't have to bend over somewhere to get them.

Before your partner or visitors leave for the day make sure they set up your side table for the night with everything in reach that you might need.

Best of luck! Def recommend moving about (within reason!) as soon as possible to kickstart your recovery.

Get a pill box for the week so you know you've had your meds.
Start harvesting colostrum now.
Stretchy sling for baby wearing so you can walk around the ward
Small collapsible stool as getting on and off the bed is difficult

Large tops/nighties
Comfy slippers/ shoes, it's difficult to walk after so make sure they won't slip off
Maternity joggers/ leggings to go home in, you'll want something that doesn't dig in
Nice big knickers, I got high waisted ones from Asda. Oh and maternity pads.
A flannel, it was lovely to clean my face after surgery whilst still in bed
Plenty to drink, I don't drink tea/coffee so was nice to have what I liked
Some easy to eat snacks, nuts, cereal bars etc
You'll have to wear some compression socks for a while after so don't panic about packing socks

Good Luck op, I had both my girls by CSection, it was honestly so calm and stress free

Echo everyone else but would also add a portable battery pack if possible; and eye mask and ear plugs (if you’ll still be able to hear your baby)

Snacks and drinks are essential as you have no idea when the trolley will be around; same for painkillers

Prunes. Or something else that might help you 'go'. When I was in they were very keen for you to have a bowel movement before you left.

Something for the trapped wind!

DEFINITELY more maternity leggings or whatever you have been wearing in pregnancy - something that will go very high over your tummy as it will be swollen and sore. You'll probably get away with a dress in this warm weather but I didn't pack any and ended up going home in just a t shirt and pants as hadn't thought to pack for an emergency section!

2 things I found I needed after which never took …. Sent partner to get them.

Peppermint tea , as you get really bad gas after op , and cough syrup , I developed a cough after c section which is not comfortable with a scar …. So the quicker it’s gone the better.

Good luck , my experience was great.

Some things I wish I had had in hindsight along with the usual hospital bag items were;

A washbag with handles that I could hang up on a hook/door handle
Joggers with a draw string waste - no elastic!
Shoes that don't require you to bend down and put them on
Your own pillow (or 2 if planning on BF)

Also my advice is get as many of the string pants that the hospital provide as possible. They were the most comfy thing and I actually took mine home and washed them/wore them for a few weeks. Gross looking but honestly comfort central! Best of luck with your birth!

Start harvesting colostrum now.

How do you do this? @Lhiurvhcf

www.laleche.org.uk/antenatal-expression-of-colostrum/

You'll produce very little, and it's quite sticky, so not with a pump - hand expressing is best. Multiple videos for how to hand express. And into a syringe - your local pharmacy would have one.