What to put in an ELCS hospital bag?

[peanutMD]

As per title really :)

Huge knickers! Nighties are better than pj's but if you've got overbump bottoms, they are great too.

Loads of maternity pads etc, snacks/drinks for afterwards (you won't have been able to eat before I don't think). Everything else I think is same as for a natural birth, except you won't need magazines or anything unless you might be kept waiting before the op.

Magazines/ipod/something to keep you occupied in case your section is delayed. Pillows, as thy never provide enough, nice food for afterwards, peppermint tea to help with trapped wind, arnica for the bruising/swelling. Comfy night dress, as pjs difficult with catheter fitted, slip on slippers. And the usual camera, nappies, clothes for baby. All I can think of off hand!

Clothing you can layer. I find hospital temperature varies widely and I'm hot one moment and frozen the next. Blanket for bed for same reason. Flip flops for showers. Ear plugs. Phone charger.

Boots do nice thin maternity towels, much nicer than the big hospital ones. Big black pants.

Oh, I stayed in my hospital gown till the catheter was out. Until its out you can't get knickers on, so keeping a towel in place properly is impossible. Better to have any leaks onto the hospital gown than your own nightie!

Nightie for when catheter is still in, over the bump pjs and mat jeans/trousers for when you leave hosp. Huuuuuggggeee knickers that go over your scar and won't rub.

Magazines/ books/ anything that will keep you occupied

Good luck! X x

Drinking straws. You will be gasping for a drink when it's all over, having been nil by mouth since the previous evening, and it's very tricky to drink lying flat on your back before the spinal block wears off!

Thanks all :)

Just trying to get it all prepared now as I'm booked for CS on 5th March but want to be sorted beforehand just incase I go into labour as I will be 39+5.

I had an EMCS almost 7 years ago so had a rough idea but obviously wasn't all arranged then.

Oh and get some lavender oil and tea tree oil to put in baths after to help healing!!

ah my birthday good luck
I had elcs in Sept big knickers are a must. I made the mistake of bringing big pjs but I would suggest a nightie as u r so very swollen and u don't want anything touching your would and it's easier when you go to the loo it is very painful and near on impossible to pull your pjs down.
also snacks. I was told to go to labour ward at 8am but did not go down to theatre till 16.30 so by the time I want up to the ward I was so hungry it was 20.30 when I went to the ward and no food on offer luckily I had food.
good luck.again

It might be worth you checking with your hospital. I went to a 'planning a positive csection' session yesterday at the maternity hospital. They said to have your normal hospital bag but to also have a small bag with dressing gown, slippers and a small toiletry bag. And on the day it's only the small bag they want us to bring in. They said to get your partner to bring in everything else later on.

Oh and don't know if you've already thought of this or not, but I had terrible constipation after last time, so I'd recommend getting some liver salts or something to start taking quite soon after the catheter is out to keep things moving sooner rather than later