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Original poster

Planned c-section advice needed

30 replies

melissa1215 · 10/09/2019 18:16

Hi,

First time mum here, I'm due to have a c-section at 39 weeks after my consultant decided that was the best course of action.

I'm just looking for any advice on what to expect in having a planned C-Section?

What would I need to bring in my hospital bag, how long do you usually stay in for after a c-section?

Just general advice really I literally have no one to ask.

Any advice is greatly appreciated xx

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LLOE7 · 10/09/2019 18:36

Hello,
You don't need to pack anything special in your hospital bag that you wouldn't pack for a vagina birth, but I would definitely find some really big knickers to go all the way to your tummy so they don't sit on your scar. I was out the next day after having my daughter. Definitely get some peppermint tea to help you pass wind though Blush Goodluck, and congratulations!

Harper33 · 10/09/2019 19:51

You’ll probably be in for at least one night, maybe two. I’d recommend packing a nightie, your catheter might be in overnight so wearing Panama trousers isn’t good.

mummymathsteacher · 10/09/2019 19:59

The biggest knickers possible! This is essential. One of my friends also recommended holding a pad over the scar for the first few times you go to the toilet. That was great advice!

It's quite hard to move about for the first day or so, so make sure you put everything in easy reach. I also agree with the mint tea/mints. Easy to put on clothes and slip on shoes were also a good move, I found

Stroan · 10/09/2019 20:09

I had one a few weeks ago and it was very calm and positive.

The pain was worst 24 hours after the op so make sure you ask for pain meds if you feel you need it.

I had a catheter in until the morning after the section so couldn't get up. Simple things like making sure everything is in reach if you will be alone - the staff kept moving my table which had everything laid out perfectly!

You might want to take a nightie rather than pyjamas for immediately after the section and while the catheter is in.
Trapped wind can be tricky because you can't push it out! Peppermint oil capsules really helped me.

Definitely big pants. Maybe a small pillow or cushion for the journey home - I held it against my wound and it really helped for things like bumps.

You definitely have to take it easy for the first few days but I've found the recovery easier than after my first vaginal birth. However, I did make sure we weren't bombarded with needy visitors so I could relax on the sofa for a few days.

Good luck!

Stroan · 10/09/2019 20:11

And lactulose for the first poo!

LaPufalina · 10/09/2019 20:11

I got a stockpile of paracetamol and ibuprofen in... it really builds up in your system if you take it every few hours (and then you think you don't need it after a week or so and you stop taking it and regret it!)
Yes to big knickers, too.

Amys136 · 10/09/2019 20:14

More tips for home but Get a next to me type crib if possible and have a tote bag for taking things up and downstairs to avoid repeat trips and keep hands free for the banister

ryanreynolds · 10/09/2019 20:15

I ended up with an emergency C section and had to come home in my nightie as the trousers (joggers/pjs) has tighter bits on the wound - I'd pack a dress next time (as well as the big pants)

Also peppermint tea - the trapped wind the day after was almost the most painful bit!! The nurses took pity on me and got me some from their personal stash.

Good luck!

PumpkinParent · 10/09/2019 20:23

As everyone has said above and perhaps also a big bottle of water to have by your bedside so that you can drink freely until you get your legs back. And until your catheter comes out, you don’t have to worry about getting up to go to the loo.
I had the baby at 1pm on a Monday and was discharged on Wednesday morning. I could have gone home on Tuesday evening but the doctor suggested an extra night as I had a two year old at home.
Hope all goes well.

Original poster
melissa1215 · 10/09/2019 20:33

Thank you everyone this is all so helpful!! I'm definitely going to stock up on peppermint tea/mints... So grateful for the advice, everyone I know has had a vagina birth so it's reassuring to hear from other mums experiences x

OP posts:
stucknoue · 10/09/2019 20:39

I was advised that dresses are better than trousers and tops, though I didn't end up with a section (they thought there may have been complications with my dd and suggested an elective section but I elected not to have a c-section)

Creas35 · 10/09/2019 20:47

I have had 2 c sections, 1 emergency and 1 planned. It’s a really calm experience (the planned) I was also in hospital only for 1 night compared to 3 with my first emergency. The worst thing about a c section I found was the trapped wind after I honestly couldn’t believe it so yes to peppermint tea and whatever else will help. Really rest as well for the first couple of days at least. Defo yes to big knickers as well so they don’t rub on the scar. Don’t pig out after the op either take it slow mainly cause of the wind thing! Good luck!!!!

PowerslidePanda · 10/09/2019 21:35

I've not tried it myself yet, but following a tip I read on here, I've packed a long scarf in my hospital bag to tie to the end of the hospital bed and use to hoist myself up to a sitting position. I remember initially struggling with movements like that when I had a c-section previously, so it sounds like a great idea!

45andfine · 10/09/2019 22:26

Stay on top of your pain relief! Don't be afraid to ask if you're in pain, because it's so much easier to get moving if pain is under control.

Clip on cot on your bed is great because then you can get to baby yourself without having to call midwife.

Really play the " I can't do anything" card when you get home! 😁😁

Make sure your partner has food and be prepared to wait a while before section happens! I've had 4, the latest was 4.45pm and that was a loooong day!

Shave your pubes! Save the nurse doing it with a blunt bic!😳

Try and find a nightie with a little pocket on the chest to keep the epidural plug thing in... It'll come up over your shoulder and can get lost!

Don't forget your phone charger

Your birthing partner will have to wear scrubs and hold baby immediately after because you'll be covered in tubes.

They'll keep you flat for a while after which is annoying, but then they'll tell you to sit up and they may as well ask you to fly because it's nearly impossible! Ask for bed paddles to help you out!

Be prepared to wee in a jug and measure how much you've wee'd

The anaesthetist is your friend, they sit close to your head and chat constantly, if you feel strange/sick, tell them, they can adjust a few things and you'll instantly feel better.

The spinal bit is awkward because you have to really hunch over your bump so that they can get at your spine... But it takes effect very quickly!

Mostly, just try and relax!! And enjoy the experience!

MikeyTheMouse · 10/09/2019 22:28

Big pants, nighties and lactulose.

45andfine · 10/09/2019 22:29

@powerslidepanda what a great tip! I'm going to try that one!

I tended to sleep propped up to avoid the struggle!

Teensruletheroost · 10/09/2019 22:33

To get up from lying down turn onto your side and push yourself up on your elbow.

Pants cannot be too big Grin

Good luck, my planned section was far easier than my emergency one and the recovery was also a lot better.

Stroan · 10/09/2019 22:42

I made the most of the electric beds in hospital to help me get upright! Much trickier at home.

Definitely recommend a bedside crib/co sleeper but bear in mind you have to shuffle down the bed past it to get out. Mine is on wheels so I can move it in and out.

On the peppermint tea - I took it in with me but there was no-one to make me tea and no where I could make it. So I was really glad I had the peppermint oil capsules as well. All hospitals are different.

Starlight84 · 10/09/2019 23:44

Loving this thread! I’m having my third section in jan but it’s been 11yrs since my last so you easily forget things! I have now remembered how bad the trapped wind is and will definitely be buying the capsules! X

Rubberyduck · 11/09/2019 08:49

Great thread. I am anticipating having a section in January. I had an emcs last time and I was not prepared!

Agree with comments about nighties, I was in hosp for abit (not due to section specifically) and with a catheter it would have been impossible to move. I took my over bump pregnancy leggings to wear home, a blessing as they went over the stitches. It was winter so a dress would have been too cold and there was no way I was getting tights on. Have all your little bits like phone and charger, lip balm as the hosp are so dry, to hand as they love your stuff Angry I took earplugs (not pushed all the way in so I could hear baby!) as I hated hearing the beeping of other people's machines overnight.

And don't be afraid to ask for help.

MummyBear405 · 11/09/2019 09:09

I don't have any advice as currently pregnant with my first but as I'm type 1 diabetic it's likely I'll have to have a C-Section so this thread is super helpful! Smile

TheStakeIsNotThePower · 11/09/2019 09:17

If you plan to breast feed ask your midwife about antenatal expressing and giving you some syringes. With a section, especially an elective, your milk can be slower to come in and baby slower to feed because neither your body nor your baby were aware they were going to be born so a little stash is really useful to have until you establish.

PumpkinParent · 11/09/2019 09:29

Very wise advice from TheStake if you want to try breastfeeding. See if your GP or midwife can get you some 1ml, thin syringes (easier to capture the first tiny drops of colostrum than larger size syringes) and give you some advice generally on hand expressing colostrum. I took one syringe worth down to theatre with me, in the pocket of my gown, just in case the baby found it hard to sniff out the boob and latch. As it was she had no trouble thankfully but I do think that the hand expressing helped a lot in getting us going.

Stroan · 11/09/2019 09:51

That's excellent advice about expressing colostrum. Can take a while to get going but so good for the baby. I had gestational diabetes so took about 5ml of colostrum in syringes. During my section, they found an ovarian cyst that had to be removed - they gave DS my colostrum in theatre while they were doing that. Otherwise it would have been formula.

Totally anecdotal, but my milk came in early on Day 3 and I wonder if it's because I'd been harvesting colostrum for a week before the section.

Nonmerci · 11/09/2019 10:05

I have four DC but had my first c-section with DC4 ten months ago.

I was discharged the following day but unsure whether that’s because I already had DC or not. I definitely overpacked but I suppose I’d rather overpack than underpack!

Expect a hefty wait to get into theatre, emergency CS’s obviously take precedence and you might not be the first elective one scheduled in that day. I think DH and I had to wait around for sixish hours so we sat reading books and doing crosswords. Also don’t forget your phone charger!

I think normal hospital bag stuff applies really (plenty of good lists online). Everyone needs ginormous undies after birth so don’t forget those, try finding some seam free ones so they don’t irritate your wound in any way (I found my whole lower abdomen was sore for the first fortnight).

The pain is manageable after the first few days but do expect to need a fair amount of help doing basic things for the first week.

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