Can anyone c-section prep me?

Question

What are the essentials to pack, what should I just put right avoid bringing and what should I have at home ready for healing, comfort, etc 😩
I’m having my c-section in 9 weeks and I just don’t know what’s going to help me out, what I’ll need and what I don’t need, especially with being a plus size girl and overhang!! Infection and pain from my big ole belly 😩 any advice?

Answer

I had an unplanned c section just over 5 weeks ago. 
What to expect: day 1 is the worst when it comes to pain. You feel like your insides will fall out when you stand and walk for the first time. But no joke every time you get up it gets better. Try move around as much as possible! 
If you have a recliner couch, you are in luck! I don’t, and when I got home from hospital I had to sleep sitting up in bed because it hurt to use the stomach muscles to get up and down. The motorised hospital beds are life savers 🙌 
Pads, I didn’t bleed anywhere near as much as I expected. I stocked up on surfboard maternity pads (and even adult nappies) but ended up getting regular ones. Still bleeding by the way, but only when I wipe. Not sure if having a c section reduces bleeding or not🤷‍♀️ but I’m not complaining 😂 
I also kept a dry pad across my scar for the first 2-3 weeks to keep it dry. Especially if you get the whole fold/flap/pouch thing going on like I have. 
Honestly, I kind of had a feeling my whole pregnancy I would end up having a c section and thought about it a lot. The recovery was not as bad as I expected it to be. Maybe I’m just lucky, I don’t know 🤷‍♀️ But like I said, the more you get up and out of bed, walking around and the sooner, the better and quicker you will recover. But don’t overdo it when you get home because you can cause infection. 
I’m trying to think of anything else 🤔 I’ll comment if I think of more!

Answer

I just wore their hospital gown because I was in too much pain to change. I only used the deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush from my hospital bag. Plus the baby outfit.

Answer

I went in to the hospital thinking I was going to have a vaginal birth, so I pack a bag as if I was having a vaginal birth 🤦🏾‍♀️ and ended up having a emergency csection after 36 hours of labor. 
 
1. Take your pain medicine if you are in pain and don’t be afraid to tell them if you are in pain. And take your stool softeners 
2. Get up and walk as soon as they say you can. Yes it’s going to hurt but it will help with your recovery. 
3. The  hospital pads and underwear will be your best friends 🤞🏾and get a size bigger in your normal size underwear because you don’t want anything to irritate it
4. If you have a recliner then your lucky because getting in and out of a bed becomes hard the first couple of night. 
5. Sleep when the baby is sleeping 
Since you are having a planned csection vs an emergency csection I feel as if you will be more prepared on what to expect. Hope you have a safe delivery and congratulations 💛

Answer

I had my third c-section last year and had read a suggestion to use Always Discreet Depends. That was a complete game changer for me! So much more comfortable than the mesh panties and thick pads they give you at the hospital! I also packed a few nursing gowns if you plan on nursing.

Answer

I wore a robe the whole time while in the hospital afterwards and used the mesh panties they gave me! Your not going to want anything covering your incision for a bit. I brought clothes but didn’t wear them. I left in a flowy plain black dress. When you get home just take it easy, walk around quiet a bit... it’s going to hurt but I promise you it helps ALOT.

Answer

I’m plus size. 
And I have had 2 c-sections in 2017 and 2019 
With both I always packed night gowns and night sets and WORE them during my healing. 
I definitely went up a size in panties and ALWAYS wore over night pads to make sure I was secure. 
With my second c section I had my incision sealed by my doctor with a device that I wore until I was done healing so I never had to worry about anything. 
Just make sure you sleep in a comfortable position and make your bed really comfy for you.

Answer

My hospital sealed my incision with glue & they put a specific bandage on. It was a kind where I could just leave it on in shower, etc. They told me to remove it shortly after hospital but I was too nervous and intimidated so I waited awhile. Ask your hospital how they dress the incision so you’ll know how to prep carting for it. My hospital also put me right into a girdle. Nothing fancy, just hospital grade, but it was super helpful. Just felt better core wise moving around. They told me to have it press a little on bandage where incision was to help healing 🤷‍♀️. Clothes I wore was just nursing bra (it’s almost like a sports bra but comfy and bigger-whether you breastfeed or not they are just way more comfortable), loose shorts & robe. The best underwear after I stopped using girdle were these below (see pic). I highly recommend. They hit high and didn’t bother my scar.

Answer

Hospital bag list. I've only ever had c-sections and this is what I find helpful to have.  I also try not to over pack.  Also, you'll want to check with what your hospital provides.  Mine provides nursing pads, mesh panties, diapers, etc.  
Only long bc I explain things.
My packing list(roughly):
(I don't wear the hospital gown longer than I have to)
- Nursing tanks
- Yoga pants
- one size up black stretchy boy short panties (for going home, just wear mesh in the hospital)
- Short cotton robe (for covering up if visitors come, walking around the unit or if I'm chilly)
- Socks(1-2 pr, also usually the hospital gave me some slipper socks.  I always hated them so I'm gonna bring my own this time)
- Flip flops (for shower and walking around if I'm not wearing slipper socks)
- simple toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash) 
- simple makeup (concealer, mascara)
- coming home outfit for baby (nb and 0-3m just in case)
- carseat (obviously)
- pacis (I prefer MAM brand, both kids have liked them and I don't like the kind the hospital has)
- swaddle blanket for baby (just my personal preference)
- phone charger
- outfit for you for going home (I usually plan to be able to wear what I went in since you usually aren't in it long before changing into gown for surgery)

Answer

Loose dresses, I ended up having an infection once I left the hospital, my doctor said it was because I was wearing underwear or pants that covered my incision after the fact. So she advised me to wear dresses and underwear that fell below the cut. (I had to cut them) 
at the hospital I was in so much pain from cramping and tension from not passing gas, so make sure you bring water cause the nurses only brought me a cup at a time, so i made my hushed buy me gallons snd bring them up..
I used my robe, slippers and basic toiletries.

Can anyone c-section prep me?

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