5 weeks post ELCS here...
For the hospital, a nightie, and VERY high wasted underwear, think middle of your belly high, your lower tummy will feel very tender and you won't want anything touching your incision/bandage. Although I stayed commando as you have your catheter in.
Also loose fitted clothing for the journey home.
For the car - take a pillow to put between you and the seatbelt, also one to sit on. (It lessens the impact from the bumps in the road)
Take your painkillers (the oramorph is fantastic) even if you 'think' you don't need it. It's better to be ontop of the pain than let it creep up on you. It also will have zero effect on your caring for your baby or breastfeeding. Also stay ontop of your pain medication when home, I found it really helpful to keep a log in my phone (on notes) to keep track of when I took what.
- pack your own paracetamol and ibuprofen (you can self administer in hospital aslong as you tell them you are, then you won't have to wait if they're particularly busy on the ward)
Also stock up at home. I had a draw full and went through it very quickly.
Be prepared to have the shakes. It's completely normal and nothing to worry about. It's due to the pain medication and anaesthesia during surgery and will ware off about a hour post surgery. I didn't have it too bad - was more like I was shivering but I know some people get it badly. Just ride it out.
If you get really itchy, ask for an antihistamine. Again, due to the anaesthesia. Not everyone gets it, I didn't but if you do don't suffer in silence.
Ear plugs and a eye mask / the wards are noisy and light (I even had a side room and only got 2 hours sleep)
Pack some drinks (lucozade sport) for electrolytes and to help you wee lots.
Also some nice snacks. You'll deserve a treat.
Also you'll have to do 3x 700ml pee's after the catheter is removed, so the following morning, start drinking lots and lots of fluids.
It'll make it alot easier!
Also you can have someone bring you food in if you're not a fan of hospital food. My sister brought me in a meal deal which I was so thankful for as I hate hospital food and all id eat was toast, and when they brought that round to me I was being faffed about with by a midwife and it was stone cold by the time I got to it.
Yes you can shower with the dressing on. But they do advise not to get it soaking wet. (So stand with your back to the water) and allow it to dry once out the shower. I showered at home because I choose too, I was discharged within 26 hours in at 7am, home by 4pm the following day and wanted to shower in the comfort of my own home and get into my new pjs waiting for me and into my own bed. The plus side of a ELCS is you have time to shower the morning of, and you're not pushing so not a hot sweaty mess!
My dressing was removed 5 days after - I found this made me feel really exposed after, so again, loose clothing and High wasted underwear. DO not put anything on your incision, no soaps, liquids, etc. just let the water run over it in the shower and pat dry with a clean towel when you're out. Or sit and let it air dry for a while.
Although they'll possibly give you laxative to take home with you, buy yourself a suppository, I got one from boots (cheap and cheerful) you do NOT want to be constipated (the pain meds will do this) it's not pleasant with a c section - I used a suppository on day 5 due to constipation and it was a god send.
Move little and often when you feel able too. When I say little, I mean to the toilet and back, around the bed. DO take it easy, it'll make your recovery easier and better in the long run. You won't win any awards for walking 5 miles a week post major abdominal surgery. Take your time and enjoy being on the bed enjoying newborn snuggles.
I basically lived upstairs in the bedroom for the first two weeks, husband did anything needed down stairs and I stayed upstairs with baby.
When at home and in bed, have lots of pillows, you will likely be sleeping sat upright for the first week or longer (I did for two weeks) as trying to get up from lying down was too much and laying on my sides felt like it was pulling and was too uncomfortable to fall asleep. It's sounds horrible but you'll be so tired, you'll sleep!
Pack some peppermint tea and rennie 'deflatine' (can be brought on amazon) for the trapped wind. (I thankfully didn't suffer but I had two of the rennie as soon as I was in recovery and two every hour after) Also chewing gum! Helps with trapped wind and helps get the bowel moving again.
Also second the caddy's - I had one beside the bed filled with baby essentials (nappies, wipes, Muslims, nappy bags, sudocream etc etc) aswell as a travel changing mat. And another full of stuff for me, (painkillers, lip solves, moisturiser, hair bands, glasses, snacks) and I had one in the bathroom for me (filled with sanitary towels, femfresh wipes to freshen up inbetween showers due to bleeding, spare underwear etc) so if I needed it, it was all right there for me.
I also highly recommend The frida mom disposable briefs. They're extremely comfortable over your incision and comfy full stop. They're also washable and wash well so you don't actually have to throw them after one use.
And lots of sanitary towels, nice comfy ones.
Good luck! Not long and baby will be in your arms!!