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Original poster

ELCS tomorrow! What essentials do I need to know?

27 replies

TheViewOutsideMyWindow · 20/04/2021 16:36

I'm booked in for an ELCS tomorrow, second baby, first c section.

I've read the NHS website, read my local trusts website and know the basics. But what else do I need to know? What didn't you know that you wish you did? I haven't written a birth plan, do I need to? Any final words of wisdom?

Thank you!

OP posts:
AnxiousAnnie86 · 20/04/2021 17:01

@TheViewOutsideMyWindow take peppermint tea with you!!! I had the worst trapped wind in my shoulder afterwards! It was so painful!

tedsletterofthelaw · 20/04/2021 17:08

Was just about to post about peppermint tea and deflatine when PP beat me to it! The trapped wind is the WORST so keep on top of that.

Flip flops for the shower, big knickers (c section support ones even better - I think boots do some)

Iampicklerick · 20/04/2021 17:10

I had a natural, an emergency one and an elective and the elective was the best birth I’ve ever had!

You may itch afterwards and speak up if so, it’s an allergic reaction. You’ll need meds.
I also had a reaction to the morphine and could see bugs. Also normal and wears off.
Don’t do too much too quickly but if you can walk, do, it’s better for you.
You will be given a lot of conflicting advice about wound management from friends and relations - I had infections both times. (For instance the hairdryer technique was not a good one for me the first time, as the dryer may be dusty, you’re blowing unfiltered air on to a wound, and I got a v bad infection) So take all the advice with a pinch of salt and just do want you feel works and you are ready for.
Take snacks.
Enjoy it, I really enjoyed mine Flowers

Chelyanne · 20/04/2021 17:14

Just go with the flow.
Full briefs and stretchy clothes were the only thing I needed. I didn't struggle with wind or need pain relief once my spinal wore off. Felt a bit rubbish the same day but I think that was due to heavy blood loss so I didn't get out of bed much until the morning after. I did find having the catheter weird, struggled to let go of bladder control so it wasn't filling at 1st.

Original poster
TheViewOutsideMyWindow · 20/04/2021 17:15

Thank you! Snacks are packed, as is deflatine and I'll get some peppermint tea too. Ive got enormous knickers.

Didn't think of flip flops but have got some disposable slippers.

Thanks for the info about the reaction and itching, didn't know that!

OP posts:
Incognitool · 20/04/2021 17:16

Honestly, I don't think there's anything. It was a quite nice experience, in a weird way -- there's something surreally fast about feeling a minor tugging sensation and then having a baby on your chest. The surgical team were very chilled and nice.

The post-natal ward was ghastly, but that's not specific to ELCS.

The one thing that was painful after I got home was getting up from a low bed or chair, and I wasn't able to step over the side of the bath to take a shower (we only had a shower over bath) -- I found myself fantasising about those chairs you see advertised in the back of Sunday supplements that tip you gently to your feet, and walk-in showers!

Take it easy, don't wear clothing or underwear that presses uncomfortably on the (surprisingly small) wound area.

tedsletterofthelaw · 20/04/2021 17:20

Not hospital related but I recommend a 'next to me' crib over a Moses basket. It's difficult to reach over the side to pick baby up the first couple of weeks after a c section so the next to me makes it easier with the dropped side. If you've already got a Moses basket or cot, as DH/DP to have it on his side and pass the baby over to you to feed when you've sat yourself up.

ForeverBubblegum · 20/04/2021 17:28

Take the painkillers afterwards on a schedule, not when you feel like you need them. If you wait until your in pain, it's much harder to get on top of it.

Bumbers · 20/04/2021 17:30

I found mine excellent. But the post natal ward was not fun and so I was pretty keen to tick off everything I had to do (e.g. go to the loo) so i could be discharged.

I felt shakey on the operating table after my daughter was born This is normal and they adjusted something and I felt better.

I didn't have a birth plan (well I did, but not for a c section) and i think that was great as didn't have particular things I really wanted. Quite glad I didn't have instant skin to skin with the shaking and I don't feel I missed anything. DH got to be in charge if her for a bit and then when I was all ready I held her in my arms as we moved to recovery.

The c section and seeing our daughter for the first time is one of the absolutely most wonderful experiences of my life.

Good luck!

Chanel05 · 20/04/2021 17:41

Good luck!

Arnica tablets.

A dressing gown tie or piece of rope to tie to the end of the bed to pull yourself up with, as you will be unable to sit up from laying without help for a few weeks.

Wishing56 · 20/04/2021 19:51

Good luck OP! My section was a great experience. Be honest with the anesthetist with how you are feeling throughout so they can give you any meds necessary (anti sickness etc).
Make sure your camera/phone is charged ready for lots of pics in the theatre. You can ask if they will take photos as baby is being pulled out if you want these types of photos.

For after make sure you keep up with pain meds even if you start to feel better.
Take a pillow with you and use it in the car on way home between seat belt and your scar.
I continued to use the octanisan pre surgery wash on my scar for a few weeks after and didn't get an infection so I feel like that helped as it's antibacterial.

The only thing that made me wince with pain when I got home was getting out of bed. I recommend sleeping propped up on a few pillows for a while so you are not getting up from being flat. I started with 4 pillows and reduced down as I started feeling better.

Enjoy your cuddles with your little one xx

Evergibbon · 20/04/2021 19:57

Take some fybogel and oj with you and get it down you after. Constipation is no joke after surgery with all the drugs.

Stand-up as straight as you can as soon as you can. It is a bit scary/sore at 1st bit you'll be thankful in the long run.

Set up a changing station on the dining table if it's handy. Better than bending down to start with .

Take it easy, listen to your body. Some heal really fast. I healed quicker than some that had vaginal births. But everyone is individual. Don't compare , enjoy your baby.

Mammymar · 20/04/2021 20:04

I would recommend nightdresses over pyjamas. Big granny pants. Definately some sort of laxative as the pain relief (tylex) can make you really constipated. A nice treat for when you are allowed to eat.

Best of luck tomorrow and I hope you have a lovely birth and safe delivery for Mammy and Baby. Smile

Fruityfriday · 20/04/2021 20:06

Take a long scarf to tie to the end of your bed to use as a hoist to sit up . A lovely hca did this for me and I'll never forget how kind she was and how much it helped me

Soberfutures · 20/04/2021 20:10

A portable hand fan is always a help as most hospitals have had fans taken away. And the ward does get really hot.

bluebluezoo · 20/04/2021 20:17

Haven’t you had an appointment to go through everything?

Have you been told about washing and showering before to reduce infection? I had to shower with hibiscrub the night before and the morning of the EMCS, including hair wash. I was also told not to shave as that increases infection risk.

No nail varnish, make up.

Baby wipes, lots of baby wipes. Not for baby, for you. Post natal wards are hot, unbearable so. A quick wipe with a baby wipe is refreshing, and also for quick clean ups. Further to that, a loose, lightweight nightie - nothing warm or with a waistband.

Phone charger, lots of films, tv and games.

I also was very shaky and dizzy so dh did all the initial stuff until I was on the ward.

Cindersrellie · 20/04/2021 20:20

Nothing useful to add but just wanted to wish you luck! This time tomorrow you'll be cuddling your lovely new baby Smile

SlidesAndLadders · 20/04/2021 20:25

Big pants, all the pads (fanny and tits), and moisturising hand wash (or you'll be dry and cracked from all the handwashing)

I'll add in to take all the pain relief you get offered, and keep on a routine with the paracetamol and ibuprofen. One then the other every couple of hours. Even if you don't think you need it.

Original poster
TheViewOutsideMyWindow · 20/04/2021 20:31

Thanks everyone!

Much appreciated. I'll take a dressing gown cord too, the levering off the bed sounds like a good idea!

No face to face apts @bluebluezoo due to covid and the website I was directed to just gives the basics,if that really. I haven't been given any antibac wash, just been told not to shave or wear nail polish. So these tips are really useful :)

OP posts:
Winterbaby21 · 20/04/2021 21:38

No nail varnish, make up.

I'm curious, why not?

bluebluezoo · 20/04/2021 21:42

*No nail varnish, make up.

I'm curious, why not?*

Infection risk mainly, and also it is harder to see clinical clues such as skin pallor or discolouration of nail beds.

Lindy2 · 20/04/2021 21:46

I found having some individual cartons of juice with straws handy. I was very thirsty in hospital and I could drink the cartons lying down rather than having to sit up.

I hope it all goes well for you. I found my elective c section a very calm and positive experience. I recovered a lot quicker than I did from the previous stressful natural birth that had complications.

Allthegranola · 20/04/2021 21:47

I had an elcs with my second and honestly it was fine. I was surprised by how well I felt afterwards!

The pain relief they give you can be a bit constipating so maybe have a supply of lactulose or something just in case.

Also get yourself some massive granny pants, so much comfier. You actually won't want to go back to regular pants even when your wound has healed!

Winterbaby21 · 20/04/2021 21:51

Thank you for explaining blue, that makes sense.

Best of luck for tomorrow OP, I hope it's a wonderful experience for you. Do come back and let us know how it went If you have time Smile

Original poster
TheViewOutsideMyWindow · 22/04/2021 11:36

Thanks everyone, baby arrives safe and sound x

OP posts: