Planned c-section advice needed

[melissa1215]

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

Echoing others with a vote giant pants and lactulose.
I came home in my husband's trackies as my wound was so painful when anything touched it. I lived in my maternity leggings after my emcs for quite a few weeks.

A big water bottle with a straw. Hospital cups are tiny and you'll want to stay hydrated with a catheter to avoid infection and if you plan to breastfeed. (You'll have to be catheterised for the epidural). The straw means you can drink without too much movement. My bottle was one of my best baby purchases along with a heap of Alexas all over the house!

The big knickers are essential. I wasn’t shaved and I did get to hold my baby within minutes of him being born. But they took him off me again until I’d stopped shaking!
I had an emcs and my milk didn’t come in until day 3 so the colostrum harvesting is probably a good idea.
I was driving again within two weeks and generally ok to do most things. I wasn’t expecting the scar area to be numb and not be able to feel touch in that area for months though.

Confirmed the date of my c-section is 3rd October, Thanks for all your help!!!!!

Had an emergency c section 2 weeks ago and would really recommend big knickers that go over your scar, lactulose is a life saver, peppermint tea or cordial, nighties, charger with a long lead, bottles of water and juice.
I used to ask my dh to lay everything out before he left at night such as nappies, cotton wool etc bending is painful to start with.
Hold a maternity pad over your scar for showering and going to the toilet.
A next to me crib is brilliant and a good height for lifting baby out without too much bending.
The first day after a c section is the worst but once you start walking you will soon recover.
Don’t be afraid to ask for pain relief in hospital and to call the bell when you need help! Especially on your first night in hospital!
Also, ask for a heat pack! It was the only thing that helped my back after an epidural.
My baby is now 2 weeks old and I feel a lot better.
My best advice is to walk around and be as active as you can.
Good luck with everything. x

I had a planned c section & stayed in for 1 night & home by 7pm the next day.
Have big knickers to go over scar
Definitely a nightie instead of pjs.
Comfy clothes to go home in, over the bump leggings & dress are good or big trackies.
Peppermint capsules.
Stock up on paracetamol & ibuprofen & take regularly. I found I could stop the strong painkillers after a few days & just keep taking paracetamol & ibuprofen.
Getting in & out of bed is one of the hardest parts, I found walking & moving fine, but getting up & down was much more painful so just be prepared to take that slow.
You will still need lots of maternity pads!
I had incredible pain in my stomach about a week after, which turned out to be a water infection from the catheter which I need antibiotics for, so keep an eye on any changes with your pain or scar.
During the section if you feel weird or sick talk to the anethesist, they will be able to give you something to help.
Despite all that, i had a very quick recovery & it was no way as bad as I expected.