C-section after having 2 vaginal births..

HopeNotLost

I have to have a c-section because I have placenta previa.  This is a completely new experience for me, because I had my first two daughters via vaginal birth. 

What are some must-haves for the hospital stay that you felt helped in your recovery?

TIA!

Potatertot

I didn't really bring a ton of stuff. My c-section was scheduled was DD was breech, so I had time to figure out exactly what I wanted to bring.

I ended up with a set of jammies with a button up top and stretchy pants that were high enough not to bother the incision. It was really nice to get out of that hospital gown and into something from home. I would consider taking a robe in case you aren't up to putting actual clothes on though.

I left in the same outfit I arrived in, a baggy maternity shirt and yoga pants. High-waisted underpants are also a must. You don't want anything that's gonna rub against the incision! My hospital had some pretty spiffy mesh panties that I used the first day, but after that it was nice to wear something that was mine. I also brought a nursing bra to go home in. I didn't bother wearing it while I was actually in the hospital though. 

Standard toiletries like deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste, stuff like that. Other than that I brought a camera, some slip on shoes, phone chargers, and my kindle. 

F15Wife

I also had 2 vaginal births before my csection. FOR SURE your own jammies. That shower and MY jammies were amazing. Also start stool softeners the day before you go in. Nobody told me about that and after loading up on iron and percocet and NO softeners, I was a mess.

kpearse99

I third your own jammies!

 Mine was unplanned, but I had them with me anyway.  I wore comfy long nightgowns so to speak with these amazing sports bras I got from Target. I was so comfy after that first shower and then being in my own clothes.  Also slippers!

The hospital will probably provide you with a binder that sort of works like a corset, I really helps to keep you feeling "together" and was a life savor!  GL

ladybugpjb

Really the only thing that differs from what you would take for a vaginal delivery is the type of clothes and underwear - you just want something that won't rub your incision.

Everything else is going to vary by person - I had DH bring my body pillow, and that helped me sleep better. (But I was stuck in the hospital extra long, so it was worth it.) Some people can use a Boppy, but others find that it irritates their incision and just use pillows.

As far as recovery, make sure and take your stool softener (like PP said) and any anti-gas meds they give you. Make sure you have enough pillows - you'll want one to hold against your stomach when you stand up. (The pressure from holding the pillow against your stomach helps it not hurt so much when you get up.)

emaddock

I really loved having the olay daily facials that are already wet. I used then to freshen up and they made me feel so much better!!

My hospital did not provide a binder so I would ask about that first.

Finally, snacks and your own water bottle. After 5 days I got really tired of hospital food! Good luck. It isn't easy but it isn't horrible. Ask for drugs when you need themI was too proud to ask the first time around and tried to tough it out.

NapJunkie

Ditto PPs on your own high-waisted undies/jammies.  I didn't take my own pjs with me and the hospital gown was fine, but I would've liked wearing my own stuff.  I actually loved the mesh panties so much I took a couple pairs home with me.

Take your own pillow.  Hospital pillows suck.  Bring one for DH if he's gonna stay there with you.

Ask for stool softeners as soon as you get out of surgery and take them regularly.  I didn't actually poop the whole time I was in the hospital (4 days), but as soon as I got home it was game on.

Everything else is really based on personal preference.  

FWIW, I was so swollen in my legs and feet after surgery that I couldn't wear shoes, socks, slippers, etc.  I had to wear my hubby's flip flops home.  Apparently the swelling is a side effect of the meds they give you during surgery.  I'm not saying it'll happen to you, but it's something I wish I'd known was a possibility.  If it does happen, drink tons of water and walk around as much as you can bear to.  Those were the only things that made it better. 

Shawnee11507

LucyD1029:

I wore nursing nightgowns (mine are from Motherhood) and a comfy robe.  I wore mesh underwear in the hospital and huge granny panties when I got home.  Having a Boppy was helpful.

All this for me too. And yes yes yes to the stool softener and anti-gas meds.

I had an emergency-C in the evening. My nurse the next morning sucked and never brought me my pain meds until I was crying my eyes out and could no longer move. I didn't know how often I was supposed to get them and went 9hrs with nothing before I started calling the nursing station... then that bish took 1.5hrs to get her azz to my room! So you know- you can have the Ibuprofen every 8hrs and the Percocet every 4. 

My feet swelled up like balloons and the only thing I could get on my feet were flip-flops (and they were still kinda tight on the tops of my feet).