Hospital bag for ELCS

[Nemonemo]

What do I need??
So far have newborn clothes, nappies, pjs for me, and maternity pads. Oh and big pants.
Anything else??

cotton wool to wipe bum with is always a good one(or wipes forif your using them).

when you say clothes what do you mean? only asking as most newborns wear vests , babygrows, cardigans and hats while in hospital.

a towel and stuff for a shower, for when your up and about.
lip balm cos most hospital have dry air which is harsh on your lips.

hope that helps

Make sure you pack enough for both of you to be in hospital for at least 2-3 days (or have a spare bag at home that DP/H can bring in for you). I am having a ELCS in 17 Days and just packed my bag and I remember from last time that DS1 was really sicky (just mucus because he wasn't pushed out) quite common apparently so you may want to pack LOTS of babygrows for the first day. I have also packed some leggings and a long top to come home in as last time I wore jeans and they were just on the scar. also packed some makeup for the first pictures as I know they are going to end up on facebook

Ooo I think we're the same day then, if I can count!!

Hadn't thought of a towel, or cotton wool or clothes for coming home in. Will add!! Think I have all those newborn items.

What is the stuff they sick up? Does it look like snot then if it's mucussy?

In my ELCS bag I have packed
pack of newborn nappies and wipes
maternity pads
bras and breast pads (but I didn't wear either last time)
1 nightie and 1 pair pyjamas
lightweight dressing gown
flipflops
massive pants x4
day clothes to wear home - over bump leggings and loose top
big dark coloured towel and small one for hair
my notes (have been given antenatal notes already)
washbag
clothes for baby - 5 vests, 5 baby grows, 2 cardigans, mittens, bootees and a hat (last time dh had to wash clothes and bring them back in due to vomity baby)
muslins
earplugs and eye mask
I will also stick a book or magazine in there just in case

That looks like a massive amount but the bag isn't full at all.

Oh I forgot, I also have snacks - a pack of dried apricots and cereal bars and a bottle of lucozade

Wipes
Magicool and a fan
Loose dresses, nightshirts and big mummy pants
Oatcakes
Phone,and charger
Camera

You will most likely be on a catheter for up to a day after your section, so you'll need a nightdress at first as you won't be able to get your PJ bottoms on.

You will get through at least 1 box a day of maternity pads. Take one box in with you and leave a load of packs in the car for DP to bring when you're low on supplies.

Same for baby clothes - there is very little room on the ward, so bring 2 or 3 vests, baby gros and hats in your bag and have a load waiting in the car for DP to swap for you.

Plastic bags to send dirty washing home.

Pen and notepad for issuing detailed instructions to DP

Don't forget cheap flip-flops that you can wear in the shower!
cardi or fleece jacket that you can put on while you are in bed as hospitals can get cold at night

I am in on 20th September. Forgot about snacks, I will pack those because I have been told I can't eat after midnight until after the op and knowing my luck I will miss lunch. The mucas is not like snot and DS1 bought up so much I was worried he was going to choke on it. You will be bed bound for the first day as well and unable to pick baby up out of the cot so totally reliant on DP or midwives to do this for you. Don't be surprised if DC doesn't feed much for the first day either, they are affected by the spinal and will be drowsy my DS made up for it though on day 2!!!

Aand a good book. If you are an ELCS you could have a long wait between going in on the day and the operation as you could be moved around if there are any emergencies.

Definitely flipflops, and I would also take arnica to help with the swelling / bruising and plenty of bottled water / drinks and snacks. Plus, I am thinking of taking some spatone iron supplements in my bag this time just in case, as I ended up having to take them last time anyway...

Plastic bags for wrapping dirty clothes up and sending them home to wash.

Phone chargers.

More than one towel cos they just don't dry.

Really lovely face cream cos your skin will dry out.

Wetwipes - for you after the op and well they're just useful. I don't mean for ypur baby's bum at this stage.

Your own pillow in a nonwhite pillowcase. Found it v comforting to have something from home. But I was in 5 days so getting v homesick.

A fold up changemat.

breast feeding pillow

strappy breastfeeding tops. By day 3 I was fed up of being in pjs and was in tops and jogging bottoms. Mind you we had to queue in the corridor for our food so I felt a bit exposed.