Planned section, what essentials or tips would you recommend

[Iluv]

I'm due to have a planned section on the 14th, this is my first section and third pregnancy

Does anybody that's been through it have any tips on what essentials I need or what helped you?

My partner is only allowed in theatre for the duration of section and has to leave when I am stitched up and I won't see him again until I'm going home a few days later.

Any tips or ideas that you found helpful, I'd really appreciate it, thank you

@niki26 Hi Niki how are you feeling after your section? Hope all went well x

A scarf to tie to the end of your bed to pull yourself up with. It's a very strange feeling not being able to use your core muscles to pull yourself up

Mine was an emergency but my next will be planned. I intend to go to the disability aid shop in town and get an over the bed handle for helping my get myself out of bed, and the same for the bath and maybe toilet too.

Giant pants up to your belly button (you might never go back - so comfy!), set up everything you need at home at waist height - you won't be able to bend down to change baby on the floor for a while. I went home the next day after mine so wasn't in that long really which was good because it was as hot as the Sahara desert in their!

Hiya, had a a section in June. 3rd baby, 1st section.

My advice would be when you pack your suitcase put everything in an order where you will be able to tell someone else where things are in case you need help getting bits out.

Lots of big black pants that'll pull up over your tummy.
Lots of pads, you'll still bleed.
Snacks like flapjacks, dried fruit & high fibre things.
Peppermint tea bags.
Book, magazine etc.
Clothes that go over your scar. You won't want anything touching it.
Arnica tablets.

Useful to have a spare bag with bits in at home in case you have to stay longer & then someone else can drop bits off for you.

Oh and you can get big wedge pillows that are firm. Put under your normal pillows so you can sleep propped up. I did have one last time. It also helped me breath at night when pregnant as got pregnancy rhinitis

@Iluv

I'm booked in for electes on the 14th too!! I'm afternoon session so thank you for making this thread. One thing I had forgotten was drinks/snacks.

My first birth was so nuts I can't remember afterwards. Looking forward to a more chilled time this time. Now wondering if I should go get tena pants as I have bought disposable knickers. 🤦‍♀️

Off to my last midwife appointment we go!

@Iluv sorry my response is a bit late!

I'm back home recovering now! I felt really sore and useless yesterday but already able to do quite a lot more today so feeling hopeful for going on a short walk in a couple of days!

My top tip now - don't overdo things after the section! Yes certainly get up and mobile as soon as possible after the section as it will help, but don't push yourself too much. As I say, I felt a burst of energy earlier and was helping to tidy and load washing etc. I suddenly went a bit dizzy and felt like my scar was stinging a bit and it gave me a bit of a scare!

Ask for help!