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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

C section must haves

35 replies

mushroommouse · 21/04/2023 13:09

Hi all,
I'm due to have a c section in a few weeks due to complications. I wondered if people had any essentials for c section after care or the hospital bag?

I've watched videos and I'm a bit overwhelmed. Also any recommendations on pads and breast pads for after please?

OP posts:
CornishGem1975 · 21/04/2023 13:12

Big pants that go past your scar! Other than that I didn't need anything extra for aftercare. Sometimes you can get a bit gassy and have pain in shoulder areas, so peppermint tea is recommended but I didn't struggle with that.

One thing I did struggle with was constipation but I also had to take Iron for a week after as I lost a lot of blood - ask for a bottle of Lactulose to help things move along!

Emily29 · 21/04/2023 13:14

I agree, just big knickers ,peppermint tea and soft clothes to wear! Boots own pads and breast pads are good. Other than that nothing special needed :) good luck, I had a really positive c section.

lochmaree · 21/04/2023 13:14

I got some super comfy high waisted pants. also some reusable big pads from etsy, think they were 16inch ones, really comfortable and absorbent. I also used the little lamb bamboo breast pads.

one of the best things I did post section (I've had 2) was scar massage.

Fandabedodgy · 21/04/2023 13:19

Surgical strength arnica tablets to speed up recovery from bruising inside and out

Big pants

Boopydoo · 21/04/2023 13:21

I'll echo the big pants lol even years later I have switched to big pants. I'm 11 years on from my second caesarian and always had an itchy spotty scar until I just gave up with pants that would naturally gravitate into my scar and irritate.
Both mine were emergency caesarians so not much time to overthink things, try not to over think, you will be in safe hands. Accept people's offer of help, if friends and family offer to come round and help with housework etc let them. Rest up and also keep moving, no lifting though.
You will be amazed how quickly it all heals and time will fly as you get to know your new little one.

WhatAmIDoingWrong123 · 21/04/2023 13:22

Loose comfortable underwear and pyjamas/joggers. I wasn’t expecting my section so wasn’t very prepared and managed. If I have another birth, it will be a section and I’m getting myself a litter picker for grabbing things for the very early days 😆

changerlot712 · 21/04/2023 13:28

Something long that you can tie to the end of your bed to pull yourself up with!

suzyscat · 21/04/2023 13:32

Emily29 · 21/04/2023 13:14

I agree, just big knickers ,peppermint tea and soft clothes to wear! Boots own pads and breast pads are good. Other than that nothing special needed :) good luck, I had a really positive c section.

Peppermint tea can have a negative effect on milk supply so I'd swerve that for a bit.

Definitely massive over the bump pants, probably a size too big.

Massive tennaladies or similar are often cheaper than maternity pads and do the job.

AddieLoggins2 · 21/04/2023 13:34

Painkillers.

Buy lots and then buy more.

Take them regularly and religiously.

tiredpuppymum · 21/04/2023 13:45

You're not massively over thinking it.

Big knicks, paracetamol & ibuprofen.

Pads are pads, just buy some.

Best wishes!

Fipfop · 21/04/2023 13:55

Lots of pillows at home, I basically slept sat up for first few weeks as I struggled to move from laid to sitting.

Nursing pillow, takes the weight off your belly when feeding the baby.

Big bottle for water. That'll stop you having to keep getting out of bed for a drink in hospital.

I always like to have mints/ sweets in hospital to freshen my mouth up.

minidancer · 21/04/2023 13:59

Lactulose, big pants and a v cushion

BlueisthenewGrey · 21/04/2023 14:01

A pillow in the car to put over your scar and seatbelt on the way home, helped loads.

squatternutbosh12 · 21/04/2023 15:33

A long (6m) phone charging cable - obviously not just for sections, but you will be there longer than a vaginal delivery and the normal cables aren’t long enough to reach from socket to bed!

A nightie (as opposed to pyjamas) as you’ll have a catheter afterwards so trousers/shorts are awkward

I used and liked Tesco’s own ‘slim’ maternity pads. Did the job!

Marks & Spencer’s ‘midi’ range knickers. I think they are now called ‘high rise shorts’ but same product. I’m 8 months on from my section and have never looked back- big high pants for the WIN! They come in some cute patterns too.

If you have stairs at home, make sure you’ve got a supply of essential baby & you things both upstairs and downstairs to minimise the amount do stair climbing you need to do. Get a raised changer for baby as changing them on the floor will be very hard to start with.

Good luck and enjoy it- my section was an amazing experience that I’ll always treasure. Congratulations on your little one ❤️

Travelisfun · 21/04/2023 15:38

I have had two c sections. Definitely big pants and knicker pads. You will be given pain relief every four hours so I probably wouldn't bring that. Also I would try to bring a long night gown, and a long dress for leaving hospital. Good luck!!

Sleepygrumpyandnothappy · 21/04/2023 15:39

Disposable big knickers. Comfy and saves taking home blood stained pants.

Prunes.

Something to keep you occupied while waiting - if you’re elective you’ll probably be bumped a few times for emergencies.

Water bottle.

Don’t worry about a nightie if you prefer PJs. the hospital will keep you in a gown until the catheter comes out.

At my hospital you were told off for bringing in your own painkillers.

A flannel to press against the scar when peeing/attempting to poo.

A pillow for the journey home.

Bring your stuff in a rucksack. Your birth partner will have to carry everything when you leave and it’s easier to carry a car seat if your kit is on their back.

ny20005 · 21/04/2023 15:41

Slippers you can just slip your feet into without having to bend down

elliejjtiny · 21/04/2023 15:48

Something to do while you wait to go down to theatre. Dressing gown with big pockets. I found it hard to carry stuff in the beginning and sometimes you have to take the baby in the crib when you go for a shower, to the kitchen etc so it was useful to put the baby's bottle etc in my dressing gown pocket.

FoxtrotSkarloey · 21/04/2023 15:52

A 2 metre phone charging cable because the socket is a looong way behind you.

Slippers or flip flops for when you are able to get up

Your own pillow

A water bottle as pp said, but I'd add with a built in straw and which seals tight so in the early stages post-op when you can barely move, you can just keep it lying beside you in bed.

Daniki · 21/04/2023 15:54

Big knickers, nighties for easy access, extra long charger lead, slip on slippers, arnica tablets for healing. My expert midwife spritz for bitz I found great for the itchiness when wound was healing.

Best of luck!

And take it easy after!! No lifting anything other than baby, we all feel the need but it's major surgery and you need to heal 💓

Daniki · 21/04/2023 15:56

Also the Lanisoh brand breast pads were the nobly ones I found any good, if your planning on breastfeeding the dry nights bed sheets are great as i used to wake up and myself and the bed be soaked in milk 🙈

Totalwasteofpaper · 21/04/2023 15:58

long charging cable for phone and good water bottle (big water tight with built in straw/flip lid)

Own pillow in coloured pillow case (so hospital dont take it?!)

Good snacks (food is dire)

blitzen · 21/04/2023 16:02

Flip flops for the shower (i always say this on these threads!)

Imenti · 21/04/2023 16:07

Ask for a prescription for codeine from the doc before you leave in case you need stronger pain relief at home. After my first section I was in immense pain but wasn't aware I could ask for anything stronger so suffered in silence. If you get codeine also get a script for lactoluse as it makes you very constipated and that's a whole other pain!!!! I had tears on the toilet 🤣🤣

You might not need it but good to have as a back up. Careful of arnica tablets if you want to breastfeed, not sure you can take them.

Good luck!

sofia7 · 21/04/2023 16:14

If your shower at home is one that’s over the bath, a footstool and suction grab rails that you can stick on the tiles to help you get in and out independently the first couple of weeks without hurting stomach

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