C-sec..what to pack?

[ema-lou24]

I know im thinking far too ahead and its not even confirmed that I will be getting a section but im wondering whats best to pack for myself after surgery?
What did you pack but found to be pointless but good idea at time?
Did u wish you had packed something in particular?

Ive had abdominal surgery before and ive had 2 natural (ish) childbirths so I know what to pack for baby etc.

I just wondering what suited c-sec mummies best or what they wished they had or hadnt packed or if had more than 1 section etc.

There has probably already been a thread asking this. Main reason im asking so early on is its my birthday at end of may and my mum would rather get me things im going to need rather than things that will just gather dust so she wants to pack mine and babys hospital bags with everything provided saving me doing it plus its a gift that I do need lol. But when I told her it could be a c-sec she was wondering what was best having never had one.

Also, how does it work? Once bubba arrived and all stitched back up etc im assuming mums are quite limited to what they can do after surgery, obviously getting up will be a struggle so if bubba is sleeping and wakes needing changed and fed does a midwife come and hand you bubba?? I know that probably sounds really daft! Of course I will have my partner there but not at night time, do I need to buzz for help to pick up my baby?

I need to stop thinking at night!

 

[Sophie_P]

I had to keep buzzing yes for Midwife to pass me baby & put down again. Don't feel annoying with this.

I also packed my maternity pillow for extra comfort xx

 

[dollface79]

For the first night after my emergency c section the midwives did everything. I don't even remember waking up lol second time round it was a planned section and they made the bottles for me and gave baby to me to do everything.

As for packing... Pack lots of comfy clothes, nothing tight! Also get loads of sanitary pads. Not just for the bleeding but also for your wound as they help to stop underwear rubbing on it and help keep it clean also.

 

[Ella1979]

After my planned section, the midwives would lift my baby in and out of his cot and get milk etc. Once I'd had the catheter and drain removed, I was then expected to do everything. I would say make sure you have your baby's cot right next to your bed when you're in hospital and not down the end of it. Also, don't be afraid to press the call button for help.

As for stuff to take - basically the same stuff as you'd take for a natural birth. Make sure you don't have anything that's likely to rub along the scar line (maternity trousers that are "below bump" are hideous after having a section). You'll probably need extra clothes/nighties for you and more clothing and nappies for your baby as usually they keep you in for a couple of days.

 

[Vickyxx]

Belly hugger pants .... don't pack anything that will sit along or close to your bikini line like hipsters as it will be very sore ... Bridget Jones pants all the way

 

[Sprk]

I had my section done in the states. My nurses would come in to hand me my dd at first. Once I was able to stand on my own, I they let me take charge of changing her and picking her up for feeds...although they would hand her to me if I fed her in my bed, as I couldn't sit down without using my arms to get in the right position. When I went home, they told me not to lift anything heavier than my lo until my ob/gyn said it was ok. No sweeping or hoovering either. I found that my body was really good at letting me know if I was doing too much

As for what to pack.....comfy pants and extra comfy clothes for going home in.

 

[Laura_C]

Yes you will need help with baby until your catheter is out, but once that's out they will want you mobile and then expected to do all yourself. If you had baby first thing in the morning generally you will probably be mobile by the evening. I had Ava after 7pm and by they time I was wheeled to the ward hubby had to leave was pants! Because no visiting hours after 8pm so I was left on my own right away. You will need help getting out of bed and sitting up and stuff at first too. You feel great with all the pain meds initially but it hits you like a brick wall once the morphine from theatre wears off. Make sure you ask for pain relief as soon as you feel you need it, they should give it to you regularly anyway but actually some don't unless you ask! Crazy! At least paracetamol and ibuprofen every 4 hours. I was still taking pain meds up until 2 weeks post op.

Big maternity knickers are a must, nothing hipster or that would sit on your scar.
Lots of maternity pads/sanitary towels.
Slip on slippers, specifically these so you don't have to bend to put them on.
Your own pillows, I didn't bring but whatever makes you most comfortable and extra pillow/body pillow would have been nice
Comfy clothes, no jeans or anything like that. I'm still living in joggers and leggings now as if anything rubs my scar it irritates and can be painful.
You will have a hospital gown on at first but nice to get changed into some of your own nightwear once you can get up and have a shower.
Get a shower as soon as you are able, it's lovely and really helps I think.
Extra snacks in bag just in case hospital food is shit, but don't go mad. After a section your stomach will be unsettled so plain food nothing that's gonna cause gas/wind and nothing too rich. The gas pain can be horrific so anything to ease that, peppermint water/tea is what they recommend but they offered it me in the hospital anyway. Lactulose is another good idea so you are able to easily 'go' to the loo when you need to. Again they can give you that.

You will need to hold your tummy if you need to cough and sneeze as it bloody hurts!

I was out in less than 48 hours so didn't use half of the stuff I packed as I'd put in lots of changes of clothes for me which I didn't need but I hate feeling yucky I wanted lots of fresh stuff ready just in case. Make sure you have lots of stuff for baby just in case you have a longer stay x

 

[Becky1]

I had a c section last summer and after lived in my maternity maxi dresses and maternity leggings. Lots of big knickers - I'm normally size 12/14 but had size 18 knickers for after! As someone else said slip on slippers. Big nighties were a must too with buttons at the top for breast feeding.

I wish I'd taken more food as once I was let out of recovery it was 7.30pm and the only food they offered me was toast that hubby could go and make. All I had were sweets and chocolate but needed something more substantial - he ended up having to find a vending machine and found one that did hot food so I had a jacket potato.
xx

 

[Toria111]

I feel cheated! I had section at 10am, my
Oh had to leave at 12 and wasn't allowed back till 3-6. And I had to do everything myself!

Make sure you take nighties rather than pjs as you will have catheter in which from experience doesn't work well with pj bottoms! Lol

 

[Becky1]

That's harsh! I had lo at 3.30pm and oh stayed until 10pm and was back at 11am until 8pm the following day. There were only 2 of us in the room and she had her lo about the same time and her oh was there most of the time too! X

 

[Rebecca89]

Am I the only one that didnt get any help even when the catheter was still in? I was left to do everything myself as they were so busy, he was very flemmy so kept choking and so I kept leaping up forgetting my bag was attached to the other side of the bed and that Id just had my tumy cut open, ouch!
take some drinks as what they brought round with meals wasnt enough and I just ended up with warm water from the jugs, big knickers as everyone else said, maternity pads, own pillow as mine was plastic backed and horrible!! xxx

 

[Rebecca89]

oh no sorry Toria111 missed your post! horrible to be left alone!! xxx

 

[Laura_C]

I've had 4 c secs and each experience has been different in terms of the level of help I received with baby. I felt very well looked after with my first 7 years ago, although I do remember struggling somewhat at night with changing nappies. My second was different as baby was in NICU, my 3rd I had to practically beg for help and with my last baby born 4 weeks ago I was helped lots until my catheter was out and then left to my own devices which was fine for me. My 4th was pre term with low blood sugars at birth so they actually helped with the feeding because it was paramount to get her fed and levels up x

 

[Ella1979]

Toria and Rebecca - that's awful! I found it bad enough once the catheter was out, as I managed to rip a cannula from my wrist (still have a nice scar from it) "jumping" (using the term loosely!) to get to my son.

I had to use my call button a couple of times when I still had the catheter in to get some help with moving to my son, but hating using it as I knew they were busy. I remember when I got readmitted with high bp I had to press the button as I was getting crushing chest pain and the HCA who turned up asked if I wanted a jug of water!!! Who presses the call button for water?!?! I was shocked!

 

[Phoebes_mum]

Hi, I haven't had a planned section (but will be this time) - but I had an emergency caesarean with my DD.

I wish I'd packed food and drink as they forgot to feed me for over 24 hours and could only give me toast (and I believe with a planned you have to be nil by mouth from the night before). Nighties, I bought desposible knickers before but did not even attempt (or no one suggested it) to wear whilst the catheter was still in. Lots of maternity pads, big granny knickers in a bigger size than usual (m&s are great for this), nighties that are good for feeding in (although I struggled with feeding so am taking formula and bottles this time just in case). Pillows and a small soft cushion to put over your tummy when you sneeze or cough.

I had to keep calling for nurses when DD needed picking up the first night as not only did I have catheter but very sexy pumps that wrap around your legs to keep your blood flow going. TBH I don't actually remember who changed nappies, I guess when DH had gone home they must have done it.

All the normal baby stuff but x a few more days and I would highly recommend asking your hospital if they use Kangacardies or Kangawraps. With DD the thing I hated the most was I didn't get skin on skin until an hour and a half after she was born. (The stitching up takes longer than you might think). I couldn't hold her properly because I had so little of my body available to hold her (from the boobs down you are covered by a screen) so only held her for about 10 mins before suggesting DH take her until I was sewn up (not knowing how long it would take to sew me up). Anyway, told mw this and she said that this time I could wear a kangacardie down to theatre and that as soon as bubs is born and ok he or she can be placed on my chest and then the cardie is wrapped around us both. She told me to google it and whilst I haven't been able to find the cardie (which she confirmed at my last appointment does exist) I found the kangawrap which has been designed by the midwives at my hospital. I shall be buying one! http://www.kangawrap.co.uk/ . Good luck xx

 

[ema-lou24]

Wow thanka ladies, all very useful information .

I hate pushing that buzzer! I always feel like im being a pest or wasting their time so if it comes to that I know I will probably end up trying to do everything myself to save them. When I had my DD I had to go onto the drip after birth due to bloodloss. It was about 3am and I was bursting on the loo and I sat for ages as I didnt want to bug the nurses for help. In the end I had to as I had a big gush of blood and had to get help to change bed and be freed from drip in order to wee. So I am dreading that part. Obviously whilst OH is there and visitors they can help but night time im gonna hate! I know its what they are there for and its thsir job but im just too independent for my own good.
Deep down I feel a c sec would be better for me due to my back problems but im still worried about it and the recovery. a c sec is by far the easy option which I overheard my sister say to my mum....dont get me started! Im worried that if I get one and once home that I dont get the help/support I need. My OH is great but he knows when im not well or whatever I dont like a fuss and just wanna be left alone but he doesnt think that yeah I might want that but I cant, I need help. Once I got my gallbladder removed and was told not to lift etc and rest...the day after surgery I was doing dishes.....normally someone would tell u off, he just let me get on wi it which yeah more fool me for doing it but still wishes hes kind of made a fuss and stopped me. so im hoping he will be a bit more supportive if we have to go down that line.

Thanks for all the info girls.
Whats best way to go around things once home? Any tips? Muchly appreciated xx

 

[leesey]

Whats best way to go around things once home? Any tips? Muchly appreciated xx

Just don't put ANY pressure on yourself to get housework done. If someone offers to do something, let them!! Take it easy, but don't get idle, little and often with light activity works better to keep you going and will be better for healing than if you stay completely still for days.

If someone offers to come and help you for the first few days, take the offer, even if it just means someone holding the baby while you sneeze, or making you a cup of tea, or shutting the blinds. Even the simplest things become a task when you have stitches!

It is a much more difficult recovery than gallbladder removal (obviously I know you know that) but I did it in the opposite order to you, so when I got my c-section I'd never had surgery before so didn't have a clue what to expect. But you'll know that tender, fragile feeling already so that's a start.

All the advice above is perfect! xx

 

[leesey]

Hi, I haven't had a planned section (but will be this time) - but I had an emergency caesarean with my DD.

I wish I'd packed food and drink as they forgot to feed me for over 24 hours and could only give me toast (and I believe with a planned you have to be nil by mouth from the night before). Nighties, I bought desposible knickers before but did not even attempt (or no one suggested it) to wear whilst the catheter was still in. Lots of maternity pads, big granny knickers in a bigger size than usual (m&s are great for this), nighties that are good for feeding in (although I struggled with feeding so am taking formula and bottles this time just in case). Pillows and a small soft cushion to put over your tummy when you sneeze or cough.

I had to keep calling for nurses when DD needed picking up the first night as not only did I have catheter but very sexy pumps that wrap around your legs to keep your blood flow going. TBH I don't actually remember who changed nappies, I guess when DH had gone home they must have done it.

All the normal baby stuff but x a few more days and I would highly recommend asking your hospital if they use Kangacardies or Kangawraps. With DD the thing I hated the most was I didn't get skin on skin until an hour and a half after she was born. (The stitching up takes longer than you might think). I couldn't hold her properly because I had so little of my body available to hold her (from the boobs down you are covered by a screen) so only held her for about 10 mins before suggesting DH take her until I was sewn up (not knowing how long it would take to sew me up). Anyway, told mw this and she said that this time I could wear a kangacardie down to theatre and that as soon as bubs is born and ok he or she can be placed on my chest and then the cardie is wrapped around us both. She told me to google it and whilst I haven't been able to find the cardie (which she confirmed at my last appointment does exist) I found the kangawrap which has been designed by the midwives at my hospital. I shall be buying one! http://www.kangawrap.co.uk/ . Good luck xx

Phoebes Mum I found this on the Kanga Wrap facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/KangaWrap/posts/540664325972753


It is only available as part of the pilot through midwives, maybe talk to yours again? xx

 

[Phoebes_mum]

Hi, I haven't had a planned section (but will be this time) - but I had an emergency caesarean with my DD.

I wish I'd packed food and drink as they forgot to feed me for over 24 hours and could only give me toast (and I believe with a planned you have to be nil by mouth from the night before). Nighties, I bought desposible knickers before but did not even attempt (or no one suggested it) to wear whilst the catheter was still in. Lots of maternity pads, big granny knickers in a bigger size than usual (m&s are great for this), nighties that are good for feeding in (although I struggled with feeding so am taking formula and bottles this time just in case). Pillows and a small soft cushion to put over your tummy when you sneeze or cough.

I had to keep calling for nurses when DD needed picking up the first night as not only did I have catheter but very sexy pumps that wrap around your legs to keep your blood flow going. TBH I don't actually remember who changed nappies, I guess when DH had gone home they must have done it.

All the normal baby stuff but x a few more days and I would highly recommend asking your hospital if they use Kangacardies or Kangawraps. With DD the thing I hated the most was I didn't get skin on skin until an hour and a half after she was born. (The stitching up takes longer than you might think). I couldn't hold her properly because I had so little of my body available to hold her (from the boobs down you are covered by a screen) so only held her for about 10 mins before suggesting DH take her until I was sewn up (not knowing how long it would take to sew me up). Anyway, told mw this and she said that this time I could wear a kangacardie down to theatre and that as soon as bubs is born and ok he or she can be placed on my chest and then the cardie is wrapped around us both. She told me to google it and whilst I haven't been able to find the cardie (which she confirmed at my last appointment does exist) I found the kangawrap which has been designed by the midwives at my hospital. I shall be buying one! http://www.kangawrap.co.uk/ . Good luck xx

Phoebes Mum I found this on the Kanga Wrap facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/KangaWrap/posts/540664325972753


It is only available as part of the pilot through midwives, maybe talk to yours again? xx

Thanks Leesey. I hadn't seen this page but it is the midwives at my hospital (Pembury now the Tunbridge Wells Hospital) that have designed it and are trialling it and my midwife has confirmed I can use a Kanga Cardi for elective section birth. This is a help though to know it's not for carrying, therefore i'll go ahead and buy a kangawrap too. Thanks!! xx