Planned c section at 38 weeks, tips please!

[Chocolateporridge]

I'm 33 weeks and due to complications have just been told I'll need a CS at 38 weeks. My DD was a vaginal birth and I was expecting the same this time round, so I've been reading up on the c section threads about the actual procedure but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips about what I should pack in my hospital bag, and also how much help I'll need afterwards and for how long. I have a dd who is 4 and my husband is self employed and won't be able to take much time off. My mum is going to come and help out for a bit, how long do you think I'll need her for?

Thanks bike, any recommendations on type of sling? I didn't use one with my dd, so not got a clue! I love your shower gel with a hook tip

lol I came on to say huge pants as well

I've had 2 sections and found them both pretty straightforward recoveries.

Do take the drugs
Do take them seriously when they say not to overdo it

I think that the help you are getting for the first 3 weeks will be just fine.
It will all be good

PS If you want to BF just stick them on in the recovery room or sooner if you can manage - mine both went on and fed in recovery no problems

Thanks for the reassurance seven, my mum lives a fair distance away and has to get a ferry as part of her journey, so don't want to have to ask her to come back after she's gone home!

That's great about breastfeeding, I was a wee bit worried that it would delay things.

Is she staying with you for the first 2 weeks?

Yes, although she may go home for the weekend in between the two weeks to sort my un-domesticated dad out, depending on how I'm doing though.

When you leave hospital, take a pillow so you can put it between your wound and the seatbelt. I felt sooo ready to go home, but suddenly felt really fragile again in the car.

Re:driving - you won't be able to drive (because your insurance does not cover you after a c-section) for at least 4 weeks, often 6.

Windeeze and charcoal tablets and pop those alongside the useless peppermint capsules they may deign to give you. The relief when you finally manage to fart is incredible.

Some big sports cap bottles of water to refill.

Massive m&s black cotton granny pants.

Long jersey nightie in dark colours. Flip flops for the shower and to use as slippers.

On well then with your mum there like that you'll have no trouble! Take it easy and all will be well. Good luck! And don't forget the huge pants whatever you do!

Fybogel or similar

Send everyone to the park for your first poo.

Take your painkillers on time.

Dont try to do too much when you get home.

Common misconception about driving-usually your company will cover you if you can do an emergency stop. I was driving after two weeks of my elcs. Phone and ask your insurance company rather than assuming it will be six weeks.

Get a stretchy wrap sling like a moby.
When you wrap it, for a newborn it's under your boobs not at your waist so not near your scar. Use the rule close enough to kiss.
Slip on shoes are a must as bending is not fun. I had crocs as it was summer but think I would just put on uggs carefully In colder weather.
Maternity leggings or yoga trousers with tunics were good

Eat and drink as soon as you can to help with feeding and a feeding pillow is good.
But feeding lying down when you find a comfy position is even better with access to a sports cap water bottle.

Also don't be scared of getting your stitches out the relief is amazing.

I had elcs for my first.

went and had my hair washed and blow dried afternoon before I went in. also had a big wax so they didn't have to shave me

afterwards, just take the pills and go at your own pace. I actually felt I could do more than I'd expected and had to reduce my painkillers because I knew I was probably less healed than I felt

we got an ergo sling second time round it was ace.

get some tea tree oil for bath to keep scar clean. oh and second fybogel recommendation. although having had vbac second time I'd say 1st poo was scarier then!

it will be fine so don't worry and good luck x

oh and it's the painkillers that make you constipated so I'd advice reducing as/when you feel up to it.

You will fart loads as they'll of put air into your abdominal cavity to help them out ( I think that's what happens?!), I've just put on another section thread that spatone iron supplement was ace, I was pretty aneamic and felt rotten, the prescribed ferrous sulphate does horrible things to your poo, sorry mine are bowel related!

Drink tons of water afterwards, get some warm socks and start breastfeeding in recovery, you'll be great.

Wow, some fantastic tips here, thanks so much. I'm going to get a pen and paper and make a list from this thread of all the things I need to get

My maternity yoga pants arrived today and, never mind about post c section, they're Soooooo comfy now, can't believe I've only just heard of them and I'm on the last four weeks of pregnancy!

Sainsburys have wide leg stretchy trousers as well. Only a tenner and come in black and grey. I will be wearing the new ones i got to yoga. The ones I wore post c section are strictly for house wear as they fall down in a comedy fashion occasionally now. But are soooo comfy.