C-Section Hospital Bag

emaddock

I am hoping to VBAC but am starting to pack my hospital bag in case of RCS.  I was unprepared with stuff the last time and honestly can't remember what I did/didn't use at the hospital with DD.  Any must haves in your hospital bag for a RCS?  Did you use a nightgown/good to have underwear/toiletries/ etc?

valkyriemama

I always wore the hospital gown until after my first shower and then I wanted a nightgown.  I HATE hospital gowns.  You also may want a robe and slippers.  Socks with tread are good to have for the surgery it's self so you don't have to wear ugly scratchy hospital socks.  I usually use the mesh panties for the first two days and then switch to undies, but you need to make sure they are cut that they won't irritate your incision.  As for toiletries, I always make sure to bring my soap, shampoo, and conditioner.  I also like bringing lotion and lip balm because they make me feel better.  You may also want hand sanitizer since you may not be able to get up and wash your hands right away.  Beyond that, if you're breastfeeding a Boppy helps deal with the incision and of course nipple butter.  I personally always bring stuff to do(magazines, books, laptop/tablet/netbook) because I'm never so tired like I was when I had to go through labor and I got bored just sitting there while the baby slept.  If your hospital doesn't give an abdominal binder that's also a nice thing to have.  It makes recovery easier.

mandapie

I just pack a bag for a long weekend.

-some comfy jammies (yoga pants, big t-shirts/nursing tops). I don't like nightgowns and other when they took my catheter out and checked me for hemorrhoids nobody needed to check under there anyway.

-nursing bras

-undies that come up over my incision

-slippers or no-skid socks

-travel toiletries (and yes, I bring make-up )

-take home outfit for baby (this time I will bring paci's b/c I want him to use a specic one) also the infant seat and a blanket the day we go home.

-phone and charger, possibly my laptop, maybe my kindle

That was the basics that were in my bag even for my first birth and I didn't know I was having a c/s. I haven't toured my maternity ward yet so I don't know if I'll need to bring anything else for the baby.

twigmommy

Different time of year, but when I was in the hospital my nose was all stuffy and runny, wish I had a nasal spray or something. With the incision I couldn't give my nose a good blow to clear it without my abdomen being sore. (And sneezing was a pain, I did that thanks to smokey visitors).

Maybe a case / pouch for your rings (unless you are going to take them off at home) for someone to hold onto them. I'd left mine on, then in the OR the anesthesiologist said someone should have had me take them off. My fingers were swollen enough I couldn't pull them off, and I was worried about them having to get cut off.

I just wore the hospital panties, and their slipper socks. I also used their maxi pads. I had a night gown, but never ended up putting it on. With breastfeeding the hospital gowns were easier. I did bring my own nursing bra though, a non-underwire one that clasped in the back. (My sleep one is really comfortable, but a pain to pull over my head with it getting all twisted up). I put on my own underwear and clothing once I left the hospital. I think I had on wind pants, something with an elastic waist with enough give in it.

If you have a belly band that might be handy. I hadn't bought one, but the hospital let me keep the one they had used on me. It wasn't anything fancy, but helped support my abdomen.

lovebug33

Giant panties and a nightgown to sleep in. I was expecting a vaginal birth and I brought a short/shirt set, but it was uncomfortable. And, I was glad to have giant panties because the mesh ones rubbed me raw!

Worcbride

I used the hospital gowns for the most part;  for my RCS I brought nursing tanks (and would wear just with undies;  also had a bathrobe so if I got up I was half way decent lol).  Big Mamma panties were a must.  My hospital didnt provide toiletries or a hairdryer.  I also brought the baby book and something for me to read/do.  Other than that (and packing a going home  outfit that wouldnt rest on the incision, it was pretty much a basic hospital bag.  Best wishes!