C-Section aftercare essentials

[mariebaby3]

Hi all,

My third baby is due in July and will be delivered by C-section. This is my first section so I’m a bit in the dark about what I should get to help with aftercare etc. So far I have the usual maternity pads, and I was planning on getting some c section pants. What else should I add to my list?

I would recommend investing in some really comfy trousers with soft, stretchy waist bands - like PJ bottoms or lounge pants. Big unflattering kickers that sit above your wound or very low rise ones (with lots of coverage around your bum to keep the giant pads in place) are also worth a look at. Slip on shoes are also very helpful.

In terms of the wound itself, nothing special. Just make sure you keep it clean and dry. I used sudocrem on it. Once it is healing well, bio oil to help the scar fade quicker.

The most important thing is to take it easy and not push yourself too hard. In the first few days after you may find it hard to stand up straight and eel rather shuffly, (always made me think of the Victoria Wood sketch where Julie Walters is a waitress carrying soup) but it goes quickly.

Lots of paracetamol, big pant a few sizes bigger than you'd usually get - I liked the big knickers from M&S, maternity pads, comfy clothes

Congratulations. I've had two c sections, my best tips are to pack a long nighty for when you're in hospital as you'll probably have a catheter in for a while after the birth so no pants on. Get one with strappy shoulders or a button down if you want to breastfeed.

Take non-fizzy lucozade to the hospital. It's all they would let me 'drink' when waiting for the op.

If you're staying in hospital, get your birthing partner to load up the side table or over bed tray before they go, put lots of nappies, wet wipes, bottles if needed, spare clothes for you and the baby and Snacks! That way you won't have to get up and down everytime you need to change the baby.

I stayed in PJs and leggings as long as possible when I got home, ordered a few pairs of PJs a couple of sizes up as it can take a while for your tummy to deflate. Top tip I read on here was to stay in your PJs when you have visitors as it helps them realise that you're still in recovery and not up to making refreshments.

Stock up on Orange Juice to help with digestion, especially if you're on iron tablets afterwards.

Prop yourself up with pillows in bed once you get home, it's so much easier to get in and out of bed the first few days if you don't have to lie all the way down!

I sound so lazy but honestly you need to take it easy or you'll recover slower.

Good luck.

Slip on slippers too. You won't want to bend down to do your shoes up!

Big pants, peppermint tea (capsules in hot water is best).

Get up ASAP, stand up straight and try to stay mobile but take it easy/move slowly/don't do too much. You will recover much faster and with fewer risks if you get up and about. You'll see a physio after delivery. Listen to their advice, particularly about getting in and out of bed without using your stomach muscles as your main aid.

Arnica surgical strength tablets to help recover from bruising
Paracetamol and ibuprofen but don't be shy about demanding stronger painkillers if you need it - I needed co-codamol for weeks.
Big cotton knickers
Breastfeeding cushion to go over your wound if planning on breastfeeding
Comfy clothes.

Big knickers that go up to your waist as you’ll probably want to be in them for a few weeks, peppermint tea for the wind and I found the shirt night dresses much easier to manage.
Also when you drive home put a rolled up blanket between your tummy and the seat belt to protect your tummy.
Also take an iPad or books for the day if your section as there can be a bit of waiting around depending on where you are on the list.
Good luck OP, my elective c section was such a postive experience!

Peppermint - tea, supplements or mints - to help with trapped wind (weirdly, the worst shoulder pain I've ever had!)

You don't need cesarean specific pants. Normal full briefs 1-2 sizes bigger will do the job.
There's not much you need to do different really, just avoid very heavy lifting, I could comfortably pick up our 2 & 4 year olds after a few weeks and lift/carry both my twins straight away (17lb combined at birth). Keep your wound clean and dry. My cousin dabbed liquid antiseptic on hers several times a day.
I had the misfortune of stitches not dissolving as they should and mine got infected. If you notice it looking red/angry and smelling funky then get help ASAP. Antibiotics and removal of the dodgy stitches allowed mine to heal.
I did seem to be one of the lucky ones not to have much pain after surgery though and didn't need painkillers at all (even when infected). Each person reacts differently to surgery and if you need the meds do not feel like you have to endure it to be strong, I've seen other before and after me really struggle with the pain.

A great thread and responses - there’s everything there I would say having had one for DC1....I’m preparing for another c section following carnage VBAC with DC2...and this list is great!!
The peppermint for wind I recall - they gave me stuff in hospital (was emergency c section) but it seemed like mint cordial- so minty! That and Fybogel. Awful wind pain. But those two sorted me out.
I was dosed on paracetamol and ibuprofen for about six weeks after the op. Don’t be shy to cover your pain. It’s doesn Cary greatly though.
The only other thing I thought about ‘agreeing’ before the section is a cleaner each week for, a month or two. We don’t have one at the moment and I think with three kids that will be a great help and mood booster!! Good luck OP!

Either chargers with long leads or a back up power pack for devices. The plugs can be a long way from the bed and you may not be mobile enough to keep getting in and out (not sure if your partner will be allowed to stay with you on the ward after the birth due to Covid still)

Massive pants! We called them peggy pants as you need at least 3 pegs when putting them out to dry nighties rather than jammie bottoms as anything on my scar was too painful for the first few weeks. Make sure you ask for a clip on crib rather than a separate one in the hospital so you can grab babys ankles and drag them towards you for feeding and changing etc. Lifting was impossible for a few days.
Stool softener and iron rich foods. Pre-prep and get the freezer stocked with meals, make your visitors aware you are healing from major surgery. Tea, coffee etc is to be made by them (and washed up afterwards)
Drugs- lots of drugs, in fact, ALL the drugs!!

Both mine came out of the sunroof, one emergency where I was very much unprepared and one scheduled which was a much better experience.

Oh and lots of pillows for propping up purposes, you wont have any stomach muscles as they knit back together after surgery so make it easier on yourself getting up and down from chairs, bed etc.

Can I suggest vitamin E cream for the scar. Apply it when it starts to heal. I’ve used it on mine and it’s not noticeable at all now.

Seeing as you can't buy loads at once, start stocking up on ibuprofen and paracetamol. Big pants to your belly button. I've had 2 sections and recovery honestly wasn't that bad. Keep mildly active it really helps.

Thank you all soo much! I feel much more prepared and also reassured by all your helpful replies :) time to start stocking up!