Having a c-section next Tuesday

[TheTroubleWithTribbles]

My first post, so please be gentle!

Baby is breech so I've been booked in for an elective section at 37+6 (next Tuesday).

This is my first baby, so I'd appreciate any advice on what to expect and recommendations of what other Mnetters found useful to take to hospital.

Hi

Look at childbirth threads also look at back threads, there was a fab one about tips, get Dh to leave stuff at right height when he has to leave, pepermint capsules for wind, pads for wound etc...

I've had 2 section's one emergency and the other elective. The elective section was actually really straightforward and calm. There is no need to be stressed about it :). Depending on where you are on the list, you may find that you are hanging about for a long time beforehand so things to keep you entertained would be handy.

Ahhh how exciting!!!!!

You will be FINE!!!

Ok, you defo DEFO need disposable paper big knickers. You can get them from Boots, but they are a Godsend after section, you just rip them at the sides and chuck them, no need to bend down...which hurts.
They need to be big becuase they will need to come above your wound, anything near your wound will be very very uncomfortable.
Stock up on them!

Big PJ's same reason as above.
Take the painkillers when offered, dont be brave, you will need them to look after your baby because you will want to do stuff as quickly as possible.

erm will have a think about other stuff that helped me....

Hi there. Had a CS two yrs ago - not planned but not emergency situation either so all in all, it was a fairly positive experience. I had been in labour for 48 hrs so had had all the drugs by then. I gather a planned CS will minimise that so while your stomach will be sore you won't be exhausted or too woozy afterwards (she says hoping anyway with DC2 on the way)

If you've ever done a really stupidly intensive Abs session in the gym out of the blue it feels quite like that - ie like you've been kicked in the stomach, it just goes on for longer than two days. It will hurt to sit up, laugh, sneeze and in a myriad of ways I can't remember. It's all manageable if you take the drugs at the prescribed times. Stitches came out in about a week, return of sensation to the skin and the immediate area was quite a bit longer

Possibly TMI but the scar will be about 1 inch above your pubic hair line so below most (big) knicker lines. Unless you wear some extremely skimpy undies / bikinis' it won't ever be visible :)
I wouldn't recommend the paper knickers (I got them from Mothercare). Really uncomfortable, tight (I was a size 10) and baggy in the wrong places so the pads weren't held up properly. Two packs of boy short style cotton pants from M&S in black will do you fine.
Shoes that don't require any fastening. Forget socks!
Yoga pants - not under bump preg style as they will be too tight, with a big wide waistband are super comfy for leaving hospital in, you can just roll the waistband up over your tummy. It's supportive without being too tight. I had prepreg yoga pants from The White Company but any sports shop will sell them, NEXT/M&S too I imagine.
I wore my preg summer trousers for weeks afterwards (not jeans) so if your mum/mil are looking for things to do, leave them a selection of stuff for washing and ironing :) Plus lots of pale coloured tops (doesn't show baby puke) regardless of bf or bottle feeding.
Definitely take the painkillers - don't be a martyr and take it easy bearing in mind that you will initially be on stronger doses so will not necessarily be in much discomfort. If you set a precedent that you can do/carry everything it's pretty difficult to come back from.
Getting up and down especially from a low chair or sofa is tricky so cushions for behind your back, extra pillows for your bed (really handy for hospital especially if you are bfeeding) - don't accept the child until you are sure you are sitting upright and ready to take him/her. It's murderous to try and shuffle up when your stomach hurts. If you start from bolt upright, it's much easier to slide down
Not really for the hospital but Driving - you don't have to observe the 6 week rule - but you do have to be signed off by your doctor which generally happens at your 6 week check up, otherwise your insurance situation could be sticky. You will be sleep deprived anyway so I don't recommend even trying.
What else for hospital - I think I had a cathether in for about 24/48 hrs so no showers or loo visits. Facial wipes, a hair brush, a teeny mirror, deodorant - whatever it takes to make you feel presentable/human. Some packets of juice/water/biscuits/chocolate for your nightstand. They'll bring you tons of water and the occasional tea but that's it.
You will be asking the staff, visitors, partner to pass you everything out of your bag so handy to bag stuff up clearly (eg toiletries in a bright bag) so they won't rummage too much through your carefully packed bags.
Charger for your phone, stuff to read on your phone/ipad (you won't have wifi!) ear plugs/headphones to tune out your neighbours if necessary. Trust me you will hear your own child though possibly leave the noise cancelling type at home.
Set up a downstairs nappy changing station so you don't have to go up and down the stairs too much when you get home. Order some bottled water (sports caps) for drinking while BFing if applicable. Scatter it about the house so it's always accessible.
Hope this helps :)

Hi just had mine last thurs. had 2 emergency prev and this was elective. Would say first and second were easier. This baby was quite big so glad I had her at 38 wks as she was starting to run out of room.

Night before, they will give you Zantac and clexane ( anti clotting). They shd go over what will happen with doc, anaesthetist and midwife. You will need to fast from night before, put your anti thrombosis socks on and they will put a catheter in. They will put a vw flown in your hand and hook u up to saline plus whatever drugs you may need eg antibiotic if strep b positive. They will wash your back and give an anaesthetic in spine and give u spinal anaesthesia. Your legs will go numb after warm sensation in bottom then they test for numbness up to just over your boobs. They will only start once u cannot feel anything. It takes mins to bring baby out but can take a while stitching as they have to go through 3 different types of muscle.

They will dry baby off and u will get skin to skin until they stitch u up. I did not feel shivery this time - did with my first two. Sondon't worry. Let them know if u feel sick as may be due to blood pressure dropping and they can give u drugs for that. I was sick this time, but not the first two times. Generally no complications, but this time baby was stuck so had to press q hard to get her out and use forceps. I also had a bleed which they had to stop with pressure and syntocin drip so am now a bit anaemic.

Once stitched up, you go to ward forbondingwith baby and very much needed tea and toast. Ask for your music to be played if you want. You will have catheter in for 24 hrs and midwives will give you bed bath and help u with baby until u get up. You will be observed for 24 hours - blood pressure, temp etc which can be tiring.

Take the painkillers!!! You will be given a shower the next morning. That is when I felt worse. Light headed and sick so take sick bucket with u and make sure you have a m'wife near. It soon passes but you defo need to get up!

Oops bac later!
T

Hiya, How exciting for you! And a really good idea to have a c section. A good friend of mine had one for exactly the same reason and had no problems at all.

Its all been said really. I had an emerge c section 2 years ago and was in hospital for a month with my baby so had it finely tuned. the stuff Id recommend is:

Phone charger. Loose change for tv if you want and car park.

Nice smellies (always made me feel better) and makeup. Again, it made me feel human.

I bought one expensive nighty from mamas and papas and made me feel great. It can always be washed when home, for when visitors arrive! Don't wear stuff you don't like Id advise, just take nice stuff.

Slippers that you'll throw away afterwards (pref slip-on) BIG PANTS LOTS! cheap from Primark which I chucked afterwards which go up to your belly button. I wore these, disposables were sweaty and too hospitalfied for me.

Nursing bra and baby stuff.

Nice healthy snacks and flavoured water (I never once drank the hospital jug water)

Camera (don't leave it anywhere) And leave you purse at home.

Best of luck!!!xxx

Will come back later and see if I can add anything.

I found the Primark light stomach control pants comfy, they come up to your belly button so don't rub on your scar. They're not stupidly tight like spanx or anything.

Some fantastic tips on here - thank you so much for posting such detailed information.

Apologies for the slight hijack OP, but how did others find breast feeding post CS? Any specific tips to make it work? D

Sorry - was going to say: good luck for Tuesday OP!

Congrats and good luck on Tuesday.

I've had 2 csections. 1st was emergency, 2nd was elective. Elective was great!

My top things to pack would be-

1. Big knickers! The ones that come up really high. So comfy as they won't irritate your scar and will feel secure over your tummy which may feel weird (as in numb and sensitive) after the op.
2. Loads of pads. I found maternity pads weren't up to the job tbh. I used always night time ones as they are really long which is what you need when you're in bed.
3. Comfy pjs and dressing gown. Dressing gown will cover any leaks on the way to the bathroom.
4. Slippers and flipflops. Slippers for on the ward, flip flops for in the shower.
5. Chocolate, biscuits, crisps, fruit etc
6. I took one of those breast feeding pillows in with me. I would think it useful even if you bottle feed from birth.
7. Mobile phone and charger
8. Face wipes, wet wipes, moisturiser, hairband,

Obviously nappies, clothes etc as well.

Take all pain relief on offer. Don't feel nervous about asking for more. Ask for help to move around if you want it. And remember, big pants are a must!! :)

Wildwater I breastfed fine after CS using pillows under baby to help take weight and even lay down on side to feed taking care obviously not to fall asleep :)

Agree with all the above. Not sure about paper knickers as I didn't use them. But 'big girls' pants will be fine.

The only other thing I can suggest is to take some lactulose for the first few days after your cs. First poo post cs can be a little 'hard' and you don't want to strain because you'll be worried about popping your scar.

If you are planning on bf try feeding in the rugby hold where dc is tucked under your armpit - if that makes sense??! Makes it easier on your tummy.

And don't go crazy but try to get out for gentle strolls as soon as you can. Little and often.

Good luck!!! Hope it all goes smoothly for you.

Thanks for all the excellent advice and well wishes everyone, very much appreciated! We're so excited to see our baby, although it's really sinking in now that we're going to be responsible for a little person soon! Time to stop pretending the bump has just been a cushion up my top!

Also, apologies for not posting this is the childbirth forum, I'm still getting used to finding my way round MN!

If you are planning to breast feed this pillow is the business

I ed say b'feeding should be ok with elective c section. I had probs after emergency c due to bab being totally zonked so did a mix. Had no probs other two times. Make sure u make best use of midwives if u have probs. they will help you. Getting comfy is a biggy. Make sure u know how to work the bed! I had a girl next to me who didn't have controls within her reach! She had the bab on her but it wasn't good for feeding!!

Just wanted to add:

It's a massive operation, I underestimated this both in the hospital and at home. It's going to be difficult moving around and you want help, either from your partner, mother or a friend whilst being in hospital. So don't be shy to ask!!

Giant knickers. The paper ones didn't work for me either, I got size 22 ones from M and S (normally size 12).

Bring peppermint tea for trapped wind, I had it for about two weeks after my section and the pain of that was worse that the pain from surgery.

Nighties or pyjama tops that open easily to breast feed.

A book.

Agree that the pain of the wind was worse than the pain of the surgery! Also, no one tells you this but if you get pain in your shoulder a day or so after your c-sec then you are probably not having a heart attack, its referred pain from the gas. I seriously thought they had buggered up something serious inside me

Pepperment/Rennies for the gas
High-waisted, comfortable bottoms, a vest and a cardi - but a nightgown for the first day when you have a catheter in
Ask for Lactulose from day one and, if you haven't pooed in about two days, swallow your pride and ask for a suppository to get things going.
Books/magazines - there's a high chance that you won't be able to move, and baby will be sleeping, so you get a chance to amuse yourself for an hour or so!

Yes I had the shoulder thing too. Take a fan as it may get hot but equally, I had a 'cold' spell so despite the weather, make sure you take a cardi or dressing gown.

I felt really sickly after and hardly felt like eating anything, especially hospital food. Make sure you get someone to bring you something you fancy to eat. Fresh fruit is good and will helpmyounwith the passage of poo later on. That is what is making me suffer right now and it's a week since the op!

T