What to pack for elective c section - what will make a difference

[Justasconfusedwithnumber2]

Any suggestions beyond the norm? I am booked for early January, I had an ecms last time so wasn't especially prepared. I have been told I will likely be in for two nights. What can I pack to make the experience as easy as possible?

I haven't had baby yet, so probably not much help either. But Maybe pack kindle, as with c section likely to be in longer as you say, and can then read to stop yourself getting bored.

I brought my kindle and didnt use it all - essentials were my own ibuprofen and paracetamol, snacks, phone charger, lots of maternity leggings and tops (I was always being sicked on), mini toiletries that you chuck when you're discharged.

OK thanks. How long did you stay in for @blackcat86 if you don't mind me asking

C section knickers! god send, they have extra support where the cut is, so you don't feel like truly guts will fall out when you walk

https://www.boots.com/cantaloop-c-section-briefs-black-and-white-twin-pack-small-10228463?cmmmc=bmm-buk-google-ppccPLAsAsHeroCompareareCantaloop--Boots+Shopping+-+Category+-+Baby+-+High+Margin+-+Desktop&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz5-uwO6y5gIVVuDtCh1O0gRpEAQYASABEgJEbbDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I took really big black pants so they didn't stain. Comfy maternity clothes, I also took a small desk fan that I could plug into a portable charger as the hospital was so hot. I also took bottles of water as they were easier to get to than the water cooler thingy. I was out in 2 days, would have been one but as a first time mum I needed help with feeding.

Make sure you have slippers that you can step into as you won't be able to bend down to put them on.

Lots of big granny pants & very loose fitting comfy pj's that with dig into your wound.

I brought ear plugs so I could get some sleep when my partner was with baby as wards are quite noisy.

I stayed in for 5 days as my BP went through the roof and they couldn't get it down. I then moved into the special care unit for a further 4 days to be with DD before we both went home. Some people were discharged after 24hrs, other women were still there when I left. One mum had a good idea which is that she had enough stuff for 48hrs with a top up bag of extras in the care. I would definitely do this next time as trying to get people to bring you clothes etc is a nightmare. My DM took my washing away and brought back a pair of leggings and about 10 pairs of socks. No tops, no pants etc. She was just in a panic.

I've had 3 sections and agree re comfy easy clothes and slippers.

The big one for me that I always say is food. Take snacks and food because a) in my experience the food wasn't great, or I would miss it and b) I often couldn't sleep at night so would be hungry then.

Aside from that usual - phone charger, iPad, water bottle, toiletries to shower, hair ties if you have long hair etc

Oh and flip flops for the showers are a great thing to bring. I bought that cheapest I could find and again ditched them when I was discharged.

I second c-section knickers. Got mine in Mothercare, they were pricey but amazing I had an EMCS then ELCS and the ELCS recovery was amazing, home 24 hours later, walked stratified upstairs carrying new baby without thinking about it! Good luck Xxx

Snacks are a great idea, I missed more than one meal by being asleep. Also breakfast was served between 8-9 and if you had a rough night you missed breakfast. Happened more than once. I was readmitted after 2 days at home.

Thanks! My emcs I was in for 5 days after 3 days labouring 😬 so I was sending DH home for bits but I just hadn't prepared for such a long stay or the difficulties that come with a c section. Fingers crossed its easier this time!

Peppermint tea bags (help with trapped wind), lip balm and a fan

Gosh I definitely can't drink peppermint tea after a bad spell of early morning sickness. Are there alternatives where you cant taste anything??! I've heard good things about it, but even the thought makes me want to hurl

Think you can buy peppermint capsules from Holland and Barrett or maybe something like Windeeze from the chemist (although not sure if suitable to take straight after baby)

Ah thanks I will google

Fennel tea also good, supposed to help with breastfeeding also if thats useful

Lactolose and loads of water! I was given codeine and it really bungs you up. Having a poo becomes a big deal when you can't go.

Chewing gum has been down to help with digestion issues. (Link to the Cochrane review below) According to the patient info leaflet my hospital hands it out to all women, but I will be taking my own stash too.

www.cochrane.org/CD011562/PREG_does-chewing-gum-after-caesarean-section-lead-quicker-recovery-bowel-function

I had an emergency c my first DS then elective for the second so I felt like I was more prepared the 2nd time.

Large comfy pants...I found period pants to be really helpful and i still use them now

Peppermint tea...helped me with wind

My own water bottle instead of using their tiny little plastic cups

Baggy dark coloured nighties (the first time round I had pics with shorts and couldn't really wear them omfortably with catheter)

Easy slip on slippers

Fruit/veggies snacks...sometimes makes bowel movements easier and my hospital served up quite a lot of starchy stodge that wasn't very helpful

All the best

*shown to help with

Big pants. Mega full briefs type thing. Definitely black not white.

Haven’t read the thread, so apologies if I’m repeating.
Clothes that won’t put pressure on your scar. High wasted trousers and pants are your friend!
And some wind-ease tablets. I just had an elective for ds2. People kept warning me about wind, but because I never had it after my emergency with ds1, I ignored them. Huge mistake! I had such painful wind and we live in the sticks, so no way of getting anything in the night. They also recommend peppermint tea or oil, but this can affect milk supply, so be careful if you intend to feed.
Good luck op! Both my sections were very positive experiences & I recovered well.

Thanks all, really helpful. I have added your suggestions to my list, I am going to pack my bag in the next week! Eek! Exciting

Don't forget maternity pads... They're excellent for putting between scar and pants! The thick padded ones!

And a small cushion/ pillow in car to go beneath seatbelt for journey home!

I've seen suggestions for a scarf to tie to bottom of bed to help pull yourself up, but haven't tried that.

Ask for a clip on cot so that you can get baby yourself in the night.

I liked PJ's with a top pocket to hold the epidural thingy in, otherwise it gets lost!

Peppermints! Trapped wind is horrendous after they've been playing with your intestines!!