What to pack for my CS hospital bag?

[Momdeguerre]

Hi,
Am having a CS this time round after having a vaginal delivery last time.

Just wondering if people can advise me on what to pack in my hospital bag? I am assuming I might be in for a little longer but not sure what I should take?

Any tips?

Big pants. Big mahoosive pants that sit above your cs scar. Cheap ones from Asda are better than the paper ones and the bigger the better.

I say this on every cs thread. And I'm always right.

Prunes to avoid constipation
handy reacher for putting on your knickers/other items out of reach
Extra long big pants to go over your scar
Wet wipes for YOU as you might not get a decent wash until the day after the op
Snacks & drinks for you to have after recovery
Try to avoid packing clothes with low waistbands
Firm cushion/pillow to prop you up or sit baby on
Good luck!

I don't think there's anything specific for CS compared to other deliveries but I;ve only had a cs so others might be able to help more. However, there are 2 things I took that I remember being brilliant.
A bedside clock that I could see easily. I could never see the ward clock because often the curtains were closed, and I didn't have a spare hand to pick up my phone to see the time when feeding, and I always wanted to know the time (when did I last feed, how long have I been feeding now etc).
A bathmat! bit wierd perhaps but getting up to having the first shower after catheter removed etc was a pretty big thing for me. I felt a different women once I'd got clean, and somehow stepping onto my own bathmat (vs. a crappy NHS towel or paper towel) made me feel really good.
Otherwise probably all the usual things:
Nighties - a few
decent maternity pads (not STs)
NCT gauze knickers were fab
slippers, dressing gown
clothes for baby
some snacks since hospt food is usually gross.

If there's someone coming in everyday to see you (DP?) then they can always bring extra stuff if you need it or wash clothes etc.

I've had 2 c sections, one emergency once elective.

Big pants definitely essential - Sainsburys & Tescos also do pretty good ones. Ditto wipes - cleanser wipes for your face too.

Arnica tablets to help with bruising, start asap afterwards - use the cream once you're healed. BTW Bio oil and rosehip oil v good for scarring.

Dark nightclothes

Biscuits - e.g. ginger nuts or rich tea as I found my tummy was a bit iffy afterwards and they were really comforting

I bought a great vanity case from Muji (£12) and got travel sizes of various bits & pieces, incl mouthwash and made sure that was on the table right next to my bed.

Also, an eye mask and earplugs - don't worry, you'll still hear your babe but you'll block outs lots of background hospital noise

Shoes that are easy to get on as bending over will be a bit tricky.

All the best. Xx

Top tips ladies, thank you, am making my list!!

ipod....and the biggest knickers that you can get your hands on.

Breast pads,
Maternity pads

Probably sounds mad, but a book! I was in for 5 days after an emergency c-section and found sleep very hard (maybe I'm mad) and nights quite lonely...reading helped, even just to lull me to sleep. Good Luck! x

Peppermint tea bags. I had hideous trapped wind afterwards from the op which was extremely painful. Its supposed to really help.

big pants
sarong
herb / peppermint tea, watch out for constipation as they tend to give a morphine suppository after the op and it bungs you up a treat
Pester power to get a private room and more help from the midwives is also good!
Magazines, you will probably be in for 2/3 days.

sneak your mobile in - bedside phones cost a fortune and sometimes you are allowed to use them in your room - I was.

BTW, I totally agree with Meglet- if you can get a private room, go for it. It gave me some (relative) peace and privacy.

I was in for 4 days after elective, 5 days for emergency but I think it just depends on which hospital your in and your particular circs. I'm epileptic so I think they were more cautious

just reinforcing the big pants - I had some really soft comfy ones from M&S size 18 then 16 as tummy went down and I'm normally a 10 just to give you and idea...I kept feeling I had to explain they weren't my usual pants everytime my scar had to be checked afterwards!

I started taking arnica tablets before and continued for weeks afterwards. I had to share a room and was kept awake til the early hours by my neighbour on her mobile for 3 nights! if you can get a private room do - you won't be lonely you'll need the rest.

DON'T be afraid to use your buzzer to call the midwives to pick up baby/change nappies - I was reluctant to use it and moved about way too much, take the help while it's there cos you need to rest before getting home.

Bought some HUGE pants today! DH looked horrified!!

The tips are really helpful, thank you. I really do love to plan and your advice is really helping.

Thanks.

water bottle with a sports top. I couldn't sit up the first night and grabbing a cup from the bedside cabinet was impossible but having a water bottle with a sports cap meant I could sip away without needing assistance. Save the buzzer for getting help with the baby.
Pen and paper for making lists of things for DH/others to bring in - my DH is very forgetful.
Plastic bag for dirty washing.
Yes, yes, yes to big pants but you've got that covered!

Have a look here I posted my packing checklist that I made with the help of some lovly Mumsnet ladies. Hope it helps.

Brilliant! Thank you!

Big pants again!

Peppermint tea for constipation.

Chocolates (not important, but a nice treat and good for the calories if breastfeeding)

Magazines!

I actually disagree with the private room advice. Although the ward was noisy to an extent, I really liked the company. (I was in for longer due to some side effect from the spinal.) I realy, realy liked to be able to talk to the other mums, watch them come and go and to compare notes regarding fedding etc. Have a think about what would suit you.

hth