Loose waisted pants that come up high. The trackies and granny undies I packed weren't loose enough so did press on my belly. They came above the wound but were a bit tight so created pressure there which was uncomfotrable. As soon as I got home I wore my DH trackies. Don't worry about sizes by the biggest most comfy clothes/undies you can that stay up but are looseish.
I found the bonds bumps singlets were not good for me for the first few weeks while my boobs were settling as they did not offer enough support at the top. After a while they were good though.
button down pyjamas were good but make sure the boottoms were loose. I think Big W had some maternity ones which looked good in the catalogue. The nighties diddn't look too bad either.
Comfy slip on slippers/shoes are a must have.
I found after a few days I didn't need the huge maternity thin pads and could have jsut used normal pads. I ussed the maternity Libra thin pads about 2-3 packets. Have some normal pads at home for when you get home and know the specific brands of the pads you like and colours so someone can go buy them if needed and get them easily.
For bubs I really liked the all in one suits from best and less. They were cotton and self ribbed and were really nice but were cheap too.
Muslin wraps
It depends what your hospital provides though. I preferred to have Ds in his own clothes after the first day then we went to the Hilton where we had to provide everything for him.
Good luck and enjoy meeting your bub
ETA I just realised that you are having your baby on the day my Ds was born. Another cherub for march 31
My SIL found shortie pyjamas a bit too uncomfy, so chose to wear nighties to bed. She said they weren't a great fashion statement but they were the comfiest clothes she could wear.
I second the high undies bit - in the next size up. I had to send Mum to best and less to get a bigger size so that there was no 'cutting in'.
Skirts and nighties are a great idea.
I found with DS's c/s that the comfiest thing for me was the maternity underwear you can buy that goes up over your belly (BONDS brand)....were the best investment ever. Also I bought flanny pj's 2 sizes to big for me with a drawstring in them but also elastic. The pants were also long enough for me to pull up to my waist.
Yep.. big undies. Also I used a pad between the wound and the undies to help cushion it. I took some of my maternity clothes to hospital and wore them for a while when I got home too. Wearing jeans with an elastic waist was MUCH more comfortable against the wound than normal jeans. Some big comfy T-shirts for sleeping in and wearing during the day. Maternity bras and slip on shoes.
For bubs I love the one-suits too and take some wraps.
Hee hee hee, bug ugly undies will be your best friend!!
You have some great practical advice here, all great. On a more personal and comfy note, I took in my favorite tea cup. It was soooo nice to have a cup of tea from a nice cup while (attempting) to breastfeed.
Also, look into some digestive aids such as peppermint tea/water. I had heaps of trouble after my c/s with bloating and constipation - apparently a pretty common side effect from having your insides poked around with . I wasn't aware it was going to be a problem and by day 3 was in more agony from my out of form bowel than my c/s scar!! Finally the nurses came up with some peppermint water... I wish I had started with it from the beginning.
Ask your hospital what they supply. Mine supplied everything for bubs and pads, etc, for me, so I didn't need those.
I did take along a few of the night-time slim normal pads and I was very glad I did! Those bulky maternity things were awful and I didn't find them necessary.
Take along some of your maternity clothes, as these will fit afterwards and be comfortable. I didn't like lying around in my PJs/nighties all day, even when I was in bed, so they didn't get much use. Make sure you have things that can unbutton down the front to give easy access for bfing.
Your camera - 'cause you can take that into the surgery!
I'll echo the sentiments of high underwear absolutely. You really really do not want anything sitting on your wound. I actually found online a product called C-Panty which are high cut and have something in them to help with scar formation. You can't use them until after the wound has closed, but they're something I'm looking into for next time.
I'd say take your own pillow as wel JIC the hospital doesn't supply you with enough, because you really need to be comfortable afterwards & it helps when you sit up.
Oh & some really yummy smelling shower gel. It makes you feel so much better smelling nice after getting the yucky hospital / surgery smell off you.
For bub the hospital should give you a list of what you'll need, if anything
Hot water bottles! Some hospitals will say they can't give them to you, but take them anyway and get visitors to fill them for you. I took mine and when one of the midwives noticed it, she said 'oh good, you brought your own. We can't give them to you'. I was sooooooo glad I did because it can be really hard to find comfortable positions to lie in and you can get stiff and sore very easily.
Also, maybe TMI, but going to the toilet the first time can be a little difficult. Taking something to read can help relax you while you sit for a while
definetly the high knickers.. and some pads to put there for comfort for the first day or so if the hosp doesn't supply you with any.. they are also great for when you come home to stop your belly sweating.
and if possible a hair drier to dry your wound with.. otherwise you stand there gingerly patting it.. It isn't painful but you will be very wary of touching it..
baby wash as well for yourself.. its very gentle for your wound..
A book.. there will be times when you can't fall asleep and sometimes just starting to read a book will put you right off to sleep.. Make sure it isn't a good book
Definetly your own pillow.. also great for if you need to cough.. hold a pillow against your tummy
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. I wasn't aware it was going to be a problem and by day 3 was in more agony from my out of form bowel than my c/s scar!! Finally the nurses came up with some peppermint water... I wish I had started with it from the beginning.
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