C-section what to expect after? Princess Royal Hayward’s Heath

[Firsttimemumcris]

Dear Mumsnet team,
We are nearing the birth of our first baby and there are many questions that remain unanswered..! We have an elective c-section booked at Princess royal in Haywards Heath and I have no idea what to expect after having baby, will DH be able to stay with us? Does baby stay on my bedside? How many nights will I be in there? Can we bring food (I have many allergies and a bit anxious about that bit) please if you have had a recent experience that helps answer these, we will be waiting to hear :) many thanks Cris & co

You will be better off speaking to your midwife / contacting the hospital directly for answers to these questions. In my hospital, I’ll be in for one night minimum, fathers can stay overnight on a chair, you are encouraged to bring food in. But every hospital is different. Best of luck!

Hi,

I'm booked in to have my second c section at the Princess Royal on Friday. My first was during Covid and even with all of the pandemic considered it was a very positive experience.

The current rules are that partners are allowed to stay over night with you. Unless baby needs any support or time in special care, baby will be with you on the ward at all times. You are allowed to bring snacks, just be mindful of potential allergens (perhaps don't bring packets of peanuts for example) I've packed some cereal bars, some dried fruit and lots of drinks as it's looking to be very hot! And postnatal wards are boiling anyway!! You'll get given a lot more information and be able to ask all questions at your pre op appointment (mine is on Thursday) but feel free to ask if you have any other worries! I'm sure it'll be a positive experience for you! The staff I found were lovey and very supportive x

Just had a planned c section at PRH in March. I was out the next day but obviously it depends how everything goes and on the baby. 2 nights is probably more normal with everything going well.

Currently partners can stay the night with you - only partners. You're allowed one other visitor during visiting hours in the day.

Yes, bring food. Easy snacks and water, so you're not waiting for the midwives to bring you stuff (though they're lovely and do look after you.) it's very hot so water important - you have to pee 3 times to show you're ready to be discharged.

Thanks so so much for the detailed info and sharing of your experiences at PRH @roshi42 @JustEnoughLove @MoreChocPlease its really appreciated! Have a great weekend all xx

@JustEnoughLove @MoreChocPlease @roshi42 Quick question 🙏 did your partners have to sleep in a chair next to you the 2-3 days after birth? Thank you!!

Yes, at my hospital I’ve been told that partners sleep on chairs. DH is fine with that because in many hospitals they’re not allowed to stay over at all.

@Firsttimemumcris I had my section this morning and my partner is allowed to stay for the first night, and yes he's only got a chair. We've been given a side room though as baby has been taken to special care x