C Section Prep / Aftercare

[AimeeLou84]

Hi All. I have a c section booked in for 39 weeks (2 weeks time). It’s my first baby but as I have GD, Poly and baby is measuring big I’ve opted for c section over induction. Is there anything you’d recommend I buy prior to going in to help my recovery. I’ve googled and so many things come up like a c section belt, silicone gel pads etc. Any advice if you’ve had a c section would be much appreciated! Thank you!

I had a planned c-section 4 months ago now, picked up a couple of packs of these from home bargains around a fiver each and were a life saver.

I also brought a long phone charger with me as the sockets can be a bit of a distance!

Don’t worry about partner not being there, I found it a lot easier than I thought I would over night as whenever baby needed feeding, changing etc just press the buzzer and the midwives will provide all of the support!

Hope everything goes smoothly for you ❤️

@AimeeLou84

Oh I'm sad to hear about the lack of help/support from your partner - truly I am.
And I totally understand you not wanting to feel like a burden, but I'll be honest with you, you will definitely feel that way at some point.
I had an ELCS in Jan with my 2nd baby, I felt hopeless before I even left the hospital. But it genuinely does get easier!

Keep your wound clean & dry, after a shower lay down on your bed with no underwear & allow it to air dry. Bring your knees up high to protect your core & lower back.
Don't overdo it! Take care of yourself & the baby, fuck the washing up! If your partner won't change a nappy, he can do the washing up! If he prepares himself a lunch at home for work, get him to make an extra sandwich for you. Get him to fill the kettle before he leaves etc ...

I’m trying to think of ways to get out of bed that’s the only thing that worries me, I’m struggling now pregnant and know I’m using my stomach muscles to get up. Think I’m going to do some dinner preps next week as he can’t cook 🙄 so if I have to try cook after I don’t think I’ll cope! Thanks for your response and tips!

Genuinely wish you all the best 🫶

You’ll be able to find out whether your ward allows partners to stay overnight quite easily. Your midwife will know or you could even ring the ward to check. They might even say on their website.

But if your partner won’t be very helpful, it may be better he doesn’t stay the night? By staying, the midwives will assume he is there to help you so they will prioritise helping the women who don’t have partners staying for things like nappy changing and picking the baby up.

Please don’t panic, I had a planned c section with my youngest (first c section) during Covid so my partner wasn’t allowed to visit apart from 1 hr a day. I had to get up and about to look after the baby BUT I really think that helped me. I had a fantastic recovery and I think the regular but gentle movement did help. The worst thing you can do is stay still for too long as you seize up and recovery takes longer. I’m not saying you should do anything strenuous but moving about does help recovery. The hospital beds are also fantastic after a c section as they help you sit up which is the hardest bit for a few days afterwards.
I drank plenty of peppermint tea and regular ibuprofen and paracetamol for 1 week and it honestly wasn’t so bad.

I had a C-section with my first and ended up taking far too much stuff.

The one thing I would recommend is a fan because they keep the hospital 1000 degrees at all times

I took shower stuff because that's what was on this list but was then advised I couldn't shower for like 72 hours because of my scar so that was a waste of

I think as long as you have big pants and comfy joggers you water and snacks you'll be all good 😊

Hey OP!

How are you!? Hoping all went well with C-Section? :)

I just had n emergency c section 3 days ago.

1. Take round a clock pain meds, I would have taken my own paracetamol and ibruprofen because our ward was extremely busy and to get them regularly was difficult..husband had to remind the midwifes for dihydrocodeine (which needs to be spaced out with ibuprofen) and morphine. But they do help you to get up and move.

1. Take your time but do try and get up and move slowly and when your ready to pee take your time to sit and stand.

1. I took my bandage off on the second day (28hours post op). My husband patted it dry for me and then i had my briefs down to air out the incision. But had full brieds on up to my belly button when up and about.

1. Most importantly I am struggling with the mum guilt. But husband is amazing and he is taking care of me and my 2 girls. Eldest 6 (vaganial birth so this is completely different)

He has done everything and is just telling me to redt up and heal. I am still struggling with sweat/body heat when I sit in to breast feed or just eat some food. I was told to use sanitary pads to suck up moisture.. but I still find airing it out helps.

1. Constipation has been a bummer but wait for it to come naturally, stack up on prunes and mash them into hot water and drink like tea or juice.

I've been taking daily pics of the stitches so I can see the difference. It helps me.

Good luck.