Recommendations things to bring to hospital for Elective C-Section

[Emilytait]

Packing my hospital bag & love to hear things you are glad you packed/wish you'd packed/didn't use?

thanks!

Phone charger with a looonnggg lead. Normal one would have been no good.

Big drinks bottle.

Flip flops!

SNACKS.
Peppermint tea (sooooo bloated - normal for after abdominal surgery but very uncomfortable).
Earplugs.
iPad
Massive pj bottoms or joggers with a soft waistband.
Something nice to smell, your favourite pillow spray or similar.

A couple of changes of nightie/PJs. Loose nightie likely to be most comfy tho so there is no band on scar.

For going home - black maternity leggings (so there is no band on scar) and a long top

As already mentioned, slip on footwear such as flip flops so you don’t need to bend

Your fave snacks

Drinks if you like something other than water eg a little Robinson’s squeezey squash on the little tiny bottles

Peppermint oil capsules to deal with the trapped wind.

A pillow to hold against your scar in the car on the way home. Hitting bumps in the road is horrible.

Head phones and something to watch tv on when I was in hospital all the TVs had been taken Away. Snacks especially if you go down late (they forgot to feed me lol
Was a long night with no food) an eye mask it can be very bright so if your lucky and baby sleeps can help you to sleep.

@Stroan

Peppermint oil capsules to deal with the trapped wind.

A pillow to hold against your scar in the car on the way home. Hitting bumps in the road is horrible.

thanks so much - how long did trapped wind last? i have ibs anyway so worried!

Tons of maternity pads. My waters broke before the op and used up almost all! Not to be too indelicate but try to empty your bowels before you go in - going to the toilet after is uncomfortable.
I couldn't concentrate enough to read so head or earphones and a couple audio books or podcasts lined up might help pass the time. Both my babies were not well so I spent four to five days in the hospital and the food is awful so have your partner bring stuff in - my husband picked up a sandwich and vegetable dip thing from M&S every night.
Also change of nightwear. My catheter disconnected soaking everything.

Shampoo and conditioner!

I was desperate for a shower the next day, and the ward had a lovely walk in shower but with a bottle of generic all-purpose shower gel/shampoo on the wall

Thank GOD I had packed a little mini bottle of shampoo and conditioner (like you get in hotels), it felt like heaven!

I ended up giving the leftovers to another woman on the ward who hadn’t brought any

I didn’t use my dressing gown because the ward was hotter than the centre of the sun, nor did I need to take a full pack of nappies

Great thread. I'm having a c section at 38 weeks (gestational diabetes / abnormal liver function / Hyperemesis). If the procedure is uncomplicated, how long did you stay in hospital, please?

Yeah a light cotton nighty, it was so uncomfortably hot.

A scarf to tie to the end of the bed to pull yourself upright with

@thingymaboob

Great thread. I'm having a c section at 38 weeks (gestational diabetes / abnormal liver function / Hyperemesis). If the procedure is uncomplicated, how long did you stay in hospital, please?

I was in 2 nights due to blood pressure issues but normally 1 night. If I were you, I'd plan to be in at least 2 with your history. They'll likely need to monitor your blood tests if you've had GD and liver complications.

Definitely snacks, good M&S snacks and nice drinks! I was so hungry after mine, and you need to drink loads after so you pee well after your catheter comes out.

Big pants, and I just wore my maternity leggings with a loose top after, and sliders so I didn't have to bend to put my shoes on. Although getting those anti embolism stockings on was something else!!! I recommend putting the plastic bag they come in on your foot first so they slide on easier, then you can pull the back out the hole at the bottom.

I didn't find I needed much really, my husband brought in a McDonald's breakfast the next morning when he came back to the hospital. Can tell you that was absolutely spectacular!!

The worst part for me was the wind pain on night 2. It was agony and nothing helped, not even Oramorph but it did pass eventually.

Dried fruit. The op messes with your digestion and pushing out a constipated poo with a newborn crying beside you while you have a big wound on your tummy is unfun.

A tiny thing that reminds you of home, being in a hospital cubicle can be a bit dehumanising if you're in for a while.

Massive pants and baggy pyjamas.

Oh and pack the kind of clothes you'd wear on holiday in a hot place, hospital is baking!

Lactulose! Take it as soon as you are able to after the birth. I was advised to do this by a friend and didn't and the first after birth bowel movement was absolutely excruciating you can't strain your muscles properly to push so the softer it all is the better. Also long phone cable, shower wipes for emergencies and slip on footwear, big high wasted knickers and I also packed some looser fitting vests so I could pop my DS down my top for lots of skin to skin. Good luck!

I had an emergency C-section in February so although I'd packed loads in my hospital bag I hadn't factored in needing abdominal surgery so I didn't end up with the right things.... I would bring a pull over/slip on dress for going home in because I couldn't bend to put the socks, shoes and leggings on I'd packed. I'd wear flipflops/sandals or slip on trainers.