Hospital packing list - c-section

[Bunny2021]

I’m having a c-section for DC2 in a few weeks and need to start packing my hospital bag.

I’ve got my list from DC1 but thought I’d check if there’s any particular items to pack that I need for a c-section? I’ve seen peppermint oil capsules recommended but any particular brand?

Hi, I've had two C-sections. The first was an emergency one and second was an elective so I was totally prepared! My biggest tip is slip on shoes/sandals (don't bother with socks) and a dress you can pull on over your head/button up for your going home outfit. No need to bend over to put on shoes, socks and trousers, which I found impossible after my first and I had to get help getting dressed. Second time around I slipped on my clothes and shoes and was away. Good luck for your birth and congratulations! X

Very big pants...... that come well up over the c section, long usb cable drinks bottle, and a Hardy snack you can't move around much, especially with catheter in and I felt to sick after the drugs to eat but got hungry in the middle of the night !

I took a big lunchbox with all my favourite things to avoid the inedible hospital food.
Lots of bottles of water so that you can make sure you have your wee after the catheter comes out.
Lots of ready made first formula bottles.
Nice toiletries for the next morning.
Big disposable, pull up, incontinence pants.
Paracetamol.

Good luck OP, and congratulations!

Wind eze and/or deflatine.
Pjs in some slippery silky satiny fabric so you can slide out of bed without having to engage your core muscles too much.
Your own paracetamol/ibuprofen.

Thanks everyone!

Definitely a couple of extra bits to add to the list.

These are stupidly expensive but very comfortable and I still wear them 18 months on just because 🤷🏼‍♀️

https://www.johnlewis.com/cantaloop-caesarean-section-briefs-pack-of-2-white-black/p587769?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappioss_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

The Sloggi high waist pants are lovely too, cotton and much more reasonably priced.

Get maternity pads and as well as the obvious use for them, you can stick them inside the waistline of your pants over the scar to give it a bit of protection. I found organic cotton ones on Amazon which were much more comfortable than standard pads.

Good luck with it all! Comfort is key, take care of yourself ❤️ exciting times ahead

Peppermint everything! I've had 2 emcs, but the second one I was very much expecting. For both of them, the worst pain has been trapped wind in the shoulder. I drank peppermint tea, midwives gave me peppermint oil and these things really helped. This time I'm booked in for an elective, I've got peppermint chewing gum, which is also supposed to be really good at stimulating the digestive system - which is important as it gets a bit of a shock during a c-section and that can cause constipation which yiu really don't want!

Thank you.

did anyone take arnica tablets?

A tip I saw on here and used - dressing gown cord to sling through the footboard of the bed to help you to pull yourself up

Yes I took arnica tablets. I know not everyone believes in that sort of thing but I really did feel like they helped me. They’re not ever going to have the same affect as dihydrocodeine (!) but I felt using them in tandem with traditional painkillers was a win win.

Dates and prunes. Eat some before the c-section. Trust me.