DH banned from postnatal ward - what to pack for c-section

[setsoma]

I was planning on bringing just the essentials and having DH bring me extra supplies as required.

My hospital have a new policy that you are allowed a partner for the birth, but even they will have to leave the hospital after an hour or so. After that absolutely no visitors will be allowed.

So I will be on my own, unable to move about much at first, with a newborn, for 1-3 days. I think I'm going to need a bigger hospital bag. What shall I pack?

You poor thing! The nurses will be very sympathetic.

Snacks eg energy bars, box drinks etc. Perhaps a flask for tea to keep it warm?

They'll send you home pdq.

A friend is due twins and a c section

Big comfy pants that won’t roll down and chafe your scar. One of those grabber sticks to pick things up that you’ve dropped or are out of reach. Nutritious snacks (eg cereal bars) and cartons of drink/water bottle. A decent supply of big pads to deal with your lochia. It’s been a while for me, so that’s all I can remember.

I was only in 24 hours. It was much better than an emcs.

Pack more nappies, wipes, snacks and clothes for both baby than you think you'll need. You never know how long you'll be staying for, and you cant get your husband to pop out for you and bring you things.

When I was in after my c-section the husband of the woman next to me kindly brought in their 3 children and sat in a chair on his phone while she looked after all of them everyday! So maybe some peace and quiet will be a silver lining.
You should bring Energy bars and cold water with ice in those metal flasks. I’d also bring some pain killers. Doctors will be prioritising and signing off on some paracetamol might take a while.
Drink lots of water and move as much as possible to get out as quickly as you can.

If it's an elective then you will probably be out the next day. I was having a shower 12 hours after my C-section. Completely different to my first which was an emergency. You might find you will be able to manage well and the midwife's and healthcare assistants will be there to help. Good luck

Oh I’d bring tenna pants. When your lying down the pads are a bit rubbish.

Lots of big pants
Squash
Books - Reading/puzzle, whatever keeps you occupied
Phone/iPad and charger
Breast pads
Sleep mask
Sweet and savoury snacks
Arnica tablets

LOADS of snacks

An assertive attitude. If in doubt /you need help, get ringing your buzzer or asking for help. When you can feel your legs and they've get the urinary catheter out, you can get up. If it's inly an hour before he can go home you are likely to still be in recovery so he won't be able to help you set everything up where you can reach it by your bed.
Don't let them forget feed and water you.
Hope all goes well and you have a 24 hour discharge.
Keep taking the pain relief and drink lots to help avoid constipation.

Shower gel with a hanging handle (you won’t be able to bend down easily in the shower), flip flops or similar, peppermint oil or tea for trapped wind (it can be awful after a section).

You’ll want nappies, wipes etc stashed in the little shelf under the crib they use, so it’s easily to hand. Baby will make a mess take a changing mat too, or sheets will need changing!

Try and have all the bits you will want in a large toiletry bag that can live on your big over-bed table. Snacks, phone, lip balm, glasses, whatever might apply to you. And big bottle of water.

Get your DH to set all this up for you within reach before he goes.

I was in and out in 24 hours for my last section, if it’s straightforward you’ll be fine.
Try to get up as soon as they say you can, lots of little walks to the bathroom. Go for a wee regularly even if you don’t feel like you need it, it’s a colossal effort but really pays off.

Keep taking pain relief as often as allowed (you’ll want ibuprofen and paracetamol at home). Don’t drive home over any bumps!

I’ve had two brilliant section experiences, be brave and you’ll be home safe with your new baby before you know it. Best wishes to you!

I agree that most of the visitors on the post natal ward were a waste of space. Exactly as a PP said - sitting yelling into their phone, Watching football with no headphones, letting the kids run around crazy , groups arguing amount each other about who was to get the next photo / hold the baby, scoffing all the patients snacks, stealing all the chairs.

The ward will be a better place without them and all being well you can come home after 24 hours.

I’d pack ear plugs - wax are the best. And plenty food.

Big santitary pads and BIG pants that will cover your scar.

Pain relief. Best advice I e er had was stay on top of the pain don’t let yourself feel sore. So take pain relief regularly.

Arnica tablets
Make up- I’m vain
Maternity clothes to wear home. The big over bump waist bands are heaven
Cool bag with some nice food in there
iPad with downloaded films/episodes and headphones
Hand cream.

Pooing after a c section is quite sore. That’s normal. But it’s not nice just to warn you!