What should I expect for a C section? Would I need to pack my hospital bag differently?

I recommend following C Section UK on Instagram - really helpful advice on what to expect, how to prepare and generally coping. I had an emergency c section so my hospital bag was not packed accordingly and it was totally fine! Things I’m glad I had were baggy pyjamas that sat high on your waist and slippers that I could wear with compression socks on! Take wipes, dry shampoo etc in case you’re not up for a shower afterwards, so you can still freshen up. And get some peppermint tea in for at home, to help with the gas - and stock up on paracetamol and ibuprofen to manage the pain after, if you stay on top of the meds, it’s really okay. Wishing you the best of luck x

@Luci Thank you so much for this! xx

All I packed really was big high waisted knickers, postpartum pads, an extra pair of loungewear for another night in there, toiletries for my shower and a pair of flip flops to walk to theatre. Didn’t really need anything special, I was discharged with a week of drugs and anything else I needed xx

@Sarah Thank you xx

Check this thread out : https://www.peanut-app.io/share/WnqjOijpDOb

@Melisa Amazing! Thank you xx

@Georgina no worries xx

Nightgowns that can pull overhead or button up--you will likely NOT be able to bend to put on pants. I'm in the US & advocated for an extra night... if you feel you need more time, ask for it.

@(See-mo-nay) I didn’t even think of this! Thank you xx

2-3 loose night gowns that open in the front, firm pillow, toiletries, disposable underwear that is comfortable like high breifs, peri bottle, extra bag for the hospital goodies ...outfit for leaving the hospital for baby...snacks or a way to get snacks....water bottle with filter

@Benet Thank you so much! xx

@mabes Thank you so much! xx

Super long phone charger if you have one, bc the outlets can be a distance away. Recommend bringing a Frida hospital gown or similar for easy access, comfort, and pockets. Long-handled bath brush for showers after. (Semi-related tip: check if the hospital bassinet is height-adjustable after the procedure. Ours was, but I didn't figure that out at first - helped a *ton* to avoid bending as much!!)

I can’t speak too much on what to pack as I didn’t get a chance and hospital gave me everything i needed but please get a back scratcher after I woke up from my c section I was SUPERRRR ITCHY 😂when the anesthesia wore off my whole body for at least the first two days and showering didn’t help it 😭😭😭

I'm in hospital post c section at the moment. I'd say - high waisted pants, slide on shoes (+/- slippers), pillows (+/- feeding pillow), chewing gum (gets things moving). Other things you would want in case of a hospital stay anyway - comfy lounge wear, comfy pj's/ nightie, toiletries, snacks, long cabled charger / power bank, peri bottle! (Great whatever the mode of delivery to freshen yourself up when you go to the toilet without bending too much)

Recommend everything everyone has previously said but especially the high waisted knickers! Frida mom disposable ones are amazing. I’m not sure how long the UK standard is but I was expected at least 2 days but I was there 3.5 because my water broke but I wouldn’t progress through labor.. but anyways, I wanted to suggest you to bring extra blankets and pillows and cozy things for you and whoever is possibly staying with you! We did not have enough pillows or blankets or jackets when I was in the hospital 🥶

Also, let people take over when they can to help you. You’re going to be so sore and exhausted after the c section. Take the extra sleep and rest if you can! Stretch too! I was stuck in bed nearly the whole time because they had me hooked to monitors nearly the whole experience (probably not everyone’s experience but it was mine) and was so sore and tired for weeks more than I think I would’ve if I rested and stretched more before and during labor. 🫶

@Sam Thank you so much xx

@Nia 😂I hadn’t even considered that, thank you xx

@Katie Thank you 😊 xx

@Anna Amazing! Thank you xx

@Anna This is great advice, thank you xx

One thing that SAVED me was FridaMom Boyshort Disposable Postpartum Underwear!! Where your skin might feel sore a few days after your c section, these pants really help stop clothes from rubbing on it!!

@Laveenia I second this!!! Best things EVER