Packing for a c-section

[Batgin]

Hi,

I've had 3 vaginal births before, but this one is going to be a c-section. What things should I be packing for a c-section? I have put on my list windeez and glycerin supositories, but aside from that I'm not sure (beside the usual maternity pads, breast pads, clothes, snacks etc)!

Any suggestions would be really helpful!

Chewing gum (don’t use until afterwards).
An extra long phone charging lead.
paracetamol and ibuprofen.

BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG pants. Like pants that reach your boobs pants.

Check the waistbands of any clothes you're taking, you want nothing that rests anywhere near where your incision will be.

Flip flops for shower.
Slip on shoes for going home.
Pads and breast pads.

And I second some big knickers.

BIG pants with a waistband that comes well above your scar line. Similarly comfy leggings trousers or dress that won't sit on your scar line.

Shower gel with a hook handle so you don't have to bend down for it (or even a toilet bag with a hook)

Breastfeeding pillow

Hat for the baby - it goes on straight after they are born.

Our postnatal ward was ROASTING even in January so bear that in mind. One dad went back to get shorts and flip flops.

Your phone or your partner's charged and playlist downloaded.

Ready for when you get home - space cleared next to your bed for your drink, meds, etc. Ditto next to wherever you'll be nursing.

When I realised I'd be having a c section I got a moses basket on a stand so I wouldn't have to bend to put baby down/pick up.

One of those little breakfast trays on a stand or beanbag might also be useful for home.

Sorry! One more I remembered - just as you may have been advised to hold a pad against your foof when going for your first poo, you may find it helpful to support your dressing when you go after c section.

Also put something (coat, scarf, pillow whatever) between you and your seatbelt

Second the super long phone charger! Nighties rather than pjs - for when you're home too, colpermin tablets and mint tea, a BIG water bottle, I would also pack a floaty dress to go home in. Hair ties! I got so annoyed with my long hair in hospital and feel like this is something easily forgettable for any birth 😂

If you're due over summer/nowish you'll probably be in summer dresses for a few weeks along with big pants which I found far more secure on my tummy too. I also had under bump ones from amazon which had a curve and sat under my scar, these paired with some high waisted nude cycling shorts will be great for under dresses.

A few extra pillows for general propping up

Another vote for the big big pants, the bigger the better because nothing is worse then them sliding down and hitting that sore scar area!!
Sliders/crocs/ slip on shoes so no bending

Good luck

Pillow for the car ride home - every bump is a killer and holding the pillow against your tummy helps x

Thank you all so much! Lots to add to my list!

Massive granny pants.
Adult nappies - I find these much better than maternity pads.
Peppermint capsules and peppermint tea for the trapped wind (thank me later 😆).
Long phone charging cable.
Book/ iPad/ tablet - the hours are long on the postnatal ward. I had him at 9am, didn't get discharged until 8pm the following evening.
Snacks
Nighty for first few hours as you will have a catheter in. I switched to pjs once it had been removed.

I'd bring a long scarf that can be tied to the end of your hospital bed, in case you struggle to get in and out of bed and need it to lever yourself up.

M&S sell some high waisted cotton knickers and they’re the comfiest things after a c-section! And as others have said, definitely take a nightie and a dress type option or some loose high-waisted joggers or similar for going home. I couldn’t even tolerate maternity leggings over the incision for a couple of weeks! Long phone cable - I so wished I’d had one of these after my section. A water bottle as well - I was so thirsty after my section and going to fill it up continually gets you up and about too.

See also:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/pregnancy/5093409-elective-c-section?reply=135929611

Enormous pants