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Original poster

Hospital bag for C-section

60 replies

Minniethemoocher · 09/09/2008 14:50

Is there anything that I will need in my hospital bag for a C-section?

I have been recommended to take Arnica tablets, both before and after; slip on slippers so that I don't need to bend down to put them on.

I am thinking of taking Rescue Rememdy to calm my nerves ( I am absolutely bricking it at the thought of a section!!!)

Any other advice/tips/reassurance very welcome!

Apologies if this has been asked before, couldn't find a thread when I did a search..

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EachPeachPearMum · 10/09/2008 11:35

Definitely the arnica I had a huge great blue bruise on my pubic bone where the anaethetist had pressed to check I really couldn't feel anything! (first epidural hadn't really done much )

Loads of great info on here!

cathym · 10/09/2008 12:12

I've heard people mention the 'tugging' sensation before. I didn't feel a single thing. This is apparently because with an elective c-section they can take their time with the epidural and make sure you are well and truly tanked up.

You've all got me thinking about my c-section now, which was nearly 3 years ago. The bravest thing I did was ask to see the placenta. They thought I was being weird but were happy to present it to me in a plastic bowl while I was being stitched up. The reason I wanted to see it was because it had caused so much trouble throughout the pregnancy, I just wanted to have a look at it and give it a nasty glare. Was glad I asked, and I'm sure people have said/done weirder things than that .

KristinaM · 10/09/2008 12:26

i'm glad i asked them to lower the screen so i could see the baby being lifted out. it was just for a second but i have a very clear memory of him coming out of me IYSWIM

Sycamoretree · 10/09/2008 12:31

Yes, in hindsight I wish I'd been brave enough to watch both my LO's coming out, but I was too terrified of seeing myself cut open - perhaps it would be helpful for the OP if you could let her know how graphic what you see is?

I had an elective 2nd time round, but felt the worst tugging of all - I could actually see that I was being raised off the table - my whole body was moving slightly.

This was because I had a 10lb 2oz baby, and also because it was my second section, the uterus (?) wasn't as elastic - the muscle had toughed up where it had healed from the last section apparently - the consultant was trying his best not to have to cut me wider - clever man, he succeeded, but they all got a bit of a sweat on getting him out!

KristinaM · 10/09/2008 13:00

all they did was lower the screen a little so i could see the baby & cord - i couldn't see me. it wasn't "graphic" at all , except of course that the baby is messy, just as with a vaginal delivery

Verso · 10/09/2008 13:30

"you will be proud of this wee" - hilarious!

Thanks for these posts - I am having a c/s this time round and your posts are really helpful and reassuring. I got freaked out the other day by conversation on a US bulletin board about how your arms get strapped down in theatre . Checked with a UK friend of mine and she said it was nonsense - please tell me that's the case!

Interesting points about (a) hospital food rubbishness and (b) them not putting the baby close enough to the bed. With DD I had an IV and catheter for some time after delivery (not a c/s but complicated) and they put the bassinet on the wrong side, so I couldn't physically reach her!!!

hattyyellow · 10/09/2008 13:36

Peppermint tea, great for dealing with the trapped wind.

DEfinitely second the cd, I had a GA in the end so couldn't use my CD, but I didn't want my child to be pulled out to the sound of radio adverts!

And definitely also the healthy food, our hospital food was also dire - they let me go home pre-pooing but getting home and having a lovely chicken casserole with loads of veg helped things along better - our hospital food was so bad it was the only time I experienced heartburn in the pregnancy after eating it! Stodge, stodge, stodge.

cathym · 10/09/2008 13:47

Why would they want to strap your arms down?
Do they think you are going to hit someone in a moment of panic
My experience was that everyone was great. Most of the people in the theatre introduced themselves and said what their role was, and they tried to make us feel as relaxed as possible.

EachPeachPearMum · 10/09/2008 14:23

Strap your arms down ?
OMG- no- my lovely anaethetist held my hand all the way through- I was in shock, shivering uncontrollably, and crying my eyes out- needless to say we hadn't been expecting to have a section!
The staff were all lovely- they all introduced themselves, and said what they would be doing etc.
The actual 20 mins of emcs were the best 20 mins of my birth 'experience' - especially once DD was aspirated, and given to us, and healthy.

Sycamoretree · 10/09/2008 14:31

Ditto EachPeach - after a week being induced, I was so glad to finally be on that gurney in theatre - I felt like it was the first and only time I relaxed through the whole process.

swampster · 10/09/2008 17:21

Yup - the theatre was a real haven, I would have married my anaesthetist on both occasions if he had only asked (sorry, DH).

wasabipeanut · 10/09/2008 17:31

Sycamore's posts have been great but I just wanted to add my voice to those advocating hooooge cotton granny pants - I got 2 packs of 5 from Primark and it was money (and not much) well spent.

A very cheap nightshirt for the first night as well for obvious reasons and yes, something to encourage wind out. Nobody warned me about this and I actually thought my wound had opened up

I don't see why you'd be strapped down - think that might be scare tactics!

Best of luck!

EachPeachPearMum · 10/09/2008 20:14

Actually, maybe strapping down was if they had to have a general anaesthetic? Some people react to it very violently, through no fault of their own.

M&S do nice cheap granny knickers- 5 pairs for £5 (though I believe it might be £6 now)- you don't mind too much at not wearing them later at that price.

KristinaM · 11/09/2008 11:13

i also found the staff in theatre lovely

they prepped me in theatre after the epidual was in so i didnt feel anything

i rememeber the MW in theatre was just about to put in the catheter and she said " i'll just wait until the boys are out the way" meaning the male staff

she was so nice - just a small gesture to preserving my dignity ( ha!) but it meant a lot

auntyspan · 11/09/2008 11:52

This thread is great - I had an emergency CS with DD! and don't really remember much about it. Prg with my second at the moment and chances are I'm going for an elective... so this thread is great preparation!

one thing I do remember is that when I was back in the ward and my parents came to see me, my dad was standing at the end of the bed rubbing my feet and I could see him doing it but couldn't feel it! Most bizarre

BlueJellie · 14/09/2008 22:02

how long do they keep you in hospital after a section??

america · 15/09/2008 12:58

Epidural made me shake like a leaf, completely uncontrollably so maybe I should have been strapped

I stayed in the hospital for four nights - way too long as we had problems getting BF estabilshed... Would recommend going home as soon as you possibly can!

Pontypine · 15/09/2008 13:10

I can't believe no one has mentioned that post section, it is the LAW that the midwife will come and ask you the following questions when you are in a room of your OH's family (normally, mother, father, sisters etc):

  1. have you had a pooh yet?
  2. How is your bleeding? any clots?
  3. How do your breasts feel?
  4. Are you weeing ok?
  5. have you had much wind?

Oh....the dignity!

Original poster
Minniethemoocher · 19/09/2008 20:15

I think that any dignity is left at home when it comes to childbirth! Thank you for all the advice, I think that I will start packing my bag soon!

OP posts:
klou · 21/09/2008 17:31

I had my c-section in America 2 years ago and yes they did strap my arms down!

Original poster
Minniethemoocher · 21/09/2008 19:39

Klou - that sounds dreadful! Whatever for??!! I haven't heard of it in the UK....

OP posts:
CookieMonster2 · 22/09/2008 13:34

I'm interested to know about this strapping your arms down thing as well. What is the justification for it? How on earth do you cope? I can't imagine going through that.

klou · 22/09/2008 18:40

It was all over so soon, didn't really even notice it to be honest! I was really freaked out with the whole thing so maybe they thought i would lash out or something? I remember being more than a little embarassed at my lower body being exposed to strangers and just wanted the whole thing over so the arms didnt bother me!

Heather1977 · 23/09/2008 13:00

I had a C-section in Spain and was wearing my glasses (usually wear contacts). They made me take them off during the operation so i was completely blind and disorientated (this could be a good thing!) They kept them nearby and put them on me as soon as the baby was born but it would have been much better to be wearing my contacts...

Original poster
Minniethemoocher · 09/10/2008 21:19

I am already to go!!

Big granny pants from M&S

Arnica 200c from Helios plus other homeopathic remedies.

Peppermint tea bags

Cartons of UHT orange juice

Dried prunes and apricots

Nappy sacks and wet wipes (for me and Baby)

V shaped pillow

Maternity pads, 2 packets.

Will buy some magazines.

Luxury shower gel, shampoos and conditioner to treat myself

Will take bio oil to rub on tummy which I expect will look like a cow pat, in the hope that it will not remain a wrinkled mess!

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