Share with me your c/section tips and advice :D

[Lemonhead]

Well I am SO happy to say my c/s was granted today and booked in for the 19th November when I will be 39+2. I have all the general c/s factsheets etc but thought the women on here who have gone through it could enlighten me with some info.

Im just after things like, what to take to hospital to kill boredom, what undies are the comfiest for that scar, PJs?, what to take for bubby etc...as I was only in hospy for 10 hours after my sons birth so I never really had to think about any of this.

Any tips or advice would be so appreciated :D

[Liddy]

:D

As you know I've had 2 at the hospital you're going to.

I was told granny undies were the best after a c-section, They weren't! I used the same hipsters from my pregnancy, they kept the dressing in place and we're defeniatly more comfortable. Take a couple packets of the thick Libra goodnight pads, I find they're brilliant after a c-section, they absorb well and they're long.
I took a word search book with me and also just paper and a pen. Other then that my baby kept me busy enough but other idea's could be magazines?
Just take your usual clothes/underwear/toiletries. Any luck like me you'll have your own room. Just take loose clothing, like tights/trackpants, sometimes you can be tender after a c-section to wear jeans and no point when you're sitting on a bed most of the day anyways. However I did wear jeans after Jade.
I was fussy and took my hair straightner with Lily too lol. I found most of my time was spent feeding her, chubby bubba = won't stop eatting haha.

Not long now hey, so exciting!! I can't wait to pack my hospy bag again :)

[amiee]

:yelclap: great thread sausagefest as i will be having my first c section on 31/8.

jlpmum you have just said to take pads, which i obviously know but its just occured to me and is probably and stupid question but i have no idea and it is probably tmi but how do i change my pad after the c section as the dr told me that i couldnt shower until the next day and i would have a catherder so do i change them in bed??? i bleed really heavily with ds and would wear my pad that i took in and then would put like 5 or 6 hospital one in and i would still bleed through. or will i not bleed as much as i am having a c section. sorry if this is a stupid question but i honestly have no idea and i just thought about it. tia.

[Guest]

Take a Camera and make sure the battery is charged.
Hairdryer, I used it to dry the stitches and bandage after a shower before I got dressed.
I wore Bonds maternity undies that went over my stomach, I hated the granny undies and eventually just wore my hipster undies.
I wore trackies and pj's hipster also and nighties. If you see where your stomach starts and pubic bone ends, thats where the cut will be so just take things that sit over or under it and are comfortable.
I had nothing for entertainment, I was bf, expressing, sleeping, watching tv, eating and with ds and dh, time went quick and I never got bored, I was too tired and drugged up.
And just take it easy, don't do heavy lifting or any housework and make sure you have healthy food in the freezer and snacks so you don't have to cook.
It took about 6 weeks to feel completely normal and no pain but it does feel numb for a long while.
Good Luck

[quitecontrary]

I bought the 10 pack of undies from Coles, just the normal size ones, never bothered with granny undies during my pgs either.
I opted for the early discharge program with both my bubs, and was out in 2 nights with ds. I found between visitors and just the general amazement of a new born I didn't have time to be bored! I didn't take anything extra in "to do" but I probably had a magazine to read!
I used maternity pads to start with, took some in of my own.
I got up and about very quickly with my ds - partly because I wanted to get out of there and back to my little girl. Plus I was a lot healthier and fitter the second time around.
So, there's my two bobs worth!!

[Lemonhead]

Thanks heaps everyone!

Good to know I wont need humungous undies :laughing: Ill just buy some total passion killers and wear them. I liked the Whisper maternity pads with wings, will have to stock up as I bled for 12 weeks with DS so who knows how long this time :dizzy:.

How long until you can get out of bed and have a shower, do a wee, sneak out to the cafe? LOL

I don't mind being in there for a few nights because I know once I get home I wont be able to stop myself cleaning etc :o and TBH it would be quite nice to just have everything done for me even though I know DP will fuss once I get home.

I think ill get some light summer PJ's (pants and t-shirt) and some tops with leggings as you suggested Lydia, that's a good idea.

[Lemonhead]

Also, do you know what Im most scared about...

The cannula... :o:o:o

I hate them. Plus I dont know what to expect from a spinal/epi.

[quitecontrary]

Oh, and I still had to do pretty much everything, or dh did (he stayed in with me) even in the private ward. No rest for a new mum in my maternity hospital it seems. At least when I had G the night sister took her for a few hours each night so I could get a bit more sleep.

[Lemonhead]

Oh, and I still had to do pretty much everything, or dh did (he stayed in with me) even in the private ward. No rest for a new mum in my maternity hospital it seems. At least when I had G the night sister took her for a few hours each night so I could get a bit more sleep.

I know what you mean! After a very rough and traumatic 25 hour labour with DS I needed some sleep. I asked the middies to take him for just an hour and they did (not happily mind you) and then one brought him back in 20 minutes later because he was 'hungry'...he was ASLEEP! So she proceeded to dab him with a freezing cold washcloth on his thigh to wake him up and make him feed :rolleyes: so glad I am more informed this time.

[MyCheekyMonkey]

Amiee - the nurses will change your pads for you, after you have a baby you have no shame lol!

Sausage - it's up to how you feel and when you get the feeling back in your legs, I got up the next morning, it hurts like hell, but it's do true that you feel SO much better once you have showered etc.

[quitecontrary]

Oh, and the best thing about having an elective c/s was having a birth plan, and being able to have my baby with me in recovery, feeding pretty much straight away!!

[Myztik]

Get an extra pack of maternity pads with no wings. You use them as a dressing over the wound :yes: I did a double take when the midwife told me to put a pad on it and had to ask her if that is what she actually meant :p (they'll provide dressings in hospy but once you go home you need to sort yourself out obviously). It stops your undies rubbing on it as well as absorbing any discharge from the wound.

I took books and mp3 player and all sorts of stuff to keep me occupied but spent most of my 'free' time sleeping anyway.

spinal/epi. I found it fascinating :o I spent most of the first night trying to move my toes and legs even though I knew it wouldn't work. Kept me entertained for ages :laughing: (I had my c/s at 6pm so it hadn't worn off yet).
Word of advice though, be careful with the tubing for the self administering pain thingo (runs from the site of the epi to a pump thing you hold onto), I managed to snap mine and had to have oral pain killers which were no where near as effective.

[TripleTime]

Ok, recap of my section.

Delivered at 6pm sunday night, out of bed 14 hours later & walking to NICU 100mtr down the hospital. Never used a wheelchair unless i was really tired.
Had granny undies to hold a pad against my scar to stop my pants rubbing. First shower after a middy & DF had to help cause i was still quite of my tree & could hardly stand. Discharged on day 6 (should have stayed longer cause i could). Drove 2ish weeks after D Day, felt normal by 7 weeks when the kids came home.

Best advice i can give; stay on top of the pain, even if you think you dont need it. Let it get out of hand & your back to square one. Take things slowly, there is no prize for being out of bed before anyone else. If you want to do something, do it. Dont be bullied.

[Lemonhead]

Myztik, how long do they leave the epi/spinal in for? I really want that out asap along with my feral cannula, I dont even care if Im in pain I just dont want things coming out of me. When do they want you to try and get up and start moving? Apparently I am having a morning c/s...

The pads idea is good! Ill remember that one.

quitecontrary- Yep I might get cracking on a birthplan thanks for reminding me.

[Lemonhead]

Ok, recap of my section.

Delivered at 6pm sunday night, out of bed 14 hours later & walking to NICU 100mtr down the hospital. Never used a wheelchair unless i was really tired.
Had granny undies to hold a pad against my scar to stop my pants rubbing. First shower after a middy & DF had to help cause i was still quite of my tree & could hardly stand. Discharged on day 6 (should have stayed longer cause i could). Drove 2ish weeks after D Day, felt normal by 7 weeks when the kids came home.

Best advice i can give; stay on top of the pain, even if you think you dont need it. Let it get out of hand & your back to square one. Take things slowly, there is no prize for being out of bed before anyone else. If you want to do something, do it. Dont be bullied.

Thanks Krystal thats really good advice.

The doc reckons Ill be in for 4 days as long as everything goes well and TBH 4 days will be enough (as long as I feel good). Ive heard elective c/s are alot easier to recover from than emergency? I know someone who was feeling great 2 weeks after I just hope I have the same experience!!

[Myztik]

They took it out the following morning and helped me up for a shower straight away so it was in for maybe 14hrs (ish).

eta - I cant remember when they took the canula out..

[amiee]

Amiee - the nurses will change your pads for you, after you have a baby you have no shame lol!


are you serious?

so do they let you co-sleep the first night with bubs as you cant get up in the night to get him when he cries or needs a feed?

did anyone have bubs put on their chest as soon as they were born or did they take them and wrap them first?

quitecontrary - whats the early discharge programme as i have a 13 month old and dont really want to be away from him for long. so if i could be home in 2 nights i would be over the moon.

[FertileMertile]

:D

As you know I've had 2 at the hospital you're going to.

I was told granny undies were the best after a c-section, They weren't! I used the same hipsters from my pregnancy, they kept the dressing in place and we're defeniatly more comfortable. Take a couple packets of the thick Libra goodnight pads, I find they're brilliant after a c-section, they absorb well and they're long.
I took a word search book with me and also just paper and a pen. Other then that my baby kept me busy enough but other idea's could be magazines?
Just take your usual clothes/underwear/toiletries. Any luck like me you'll have your own room. Just take loose clothing, like tights/trackpants, sometimes you can be tender after a c-section to wear jeans and no point when you're sitting on a bed most of the day anyways. However I did wear jeans after Jade.
I was fussy and took my hair straightner with Lily too lol. I found most of my time was spent feeding her, chubby bubba = won't stop eatting haha.

Not long now hey, so exciting!! I can't wait to pack my hospy bag again :)

Could have said everything liddy wrote! I found just my boring cotton boyleg hipsters were the best too coz they kept the gauze in place. After the c/s i was wearing my materinty clothes still but I also agree that something either loose or something not tight would be the best. Seeing as its in nov you could wear a dress.

I got up for a shower the morn after but Danielle got up that same night so it just depends on your MW. You will have a catheter in so no real need to goto the toilet and the nurses will pass u bubs in bed. Biggest tip for getting in and out of bed would be to brace your tummy muscles! After Seth I tried not to use my tummy muscles and it was really painful moving around but after I had Jake the physio told me to brace my tummy muscles and getting up and down was so much easier! Barely hurt at all.

Re - the cannula, my Anesthetist gave me a tiny local needle b4 putting it in so maybe you could request that? He did the same for my spinal but I think thats routine.

Hrmm trying to think of other little tips.....ill bbl if i think of something :)

[Myztik]

Aimee I asked them to let me hold bub straight away and they were fine with that :yes: Then they weighed him, wrapped him etc and bought him in to me in recovery for a feed. When it was time to move to the ward they let DF wheel him in his little cot thingy.

The hospital I was in didn't really like co sleeping but the midwives were great with helping me pick him up for feeds during the night.

[TripleTime]

Thanks Krystal thats really good advice.

The doc reckons Ill be in for 4 days as long as everything goes well and TBH 4 days will be enough (as long as I feel good). Ive heard elective c/s are alot easier to recover from than emergency? I know someone who was feeling great 2 weeks after I just hope I have the same experience!!


I dunno about that, epi/spinal V GA yes. Onyl reason i stayed 6 days was cause the kids were in NICU & i didnt want to go home before hand. Could have gone home from day 4 just didnt want to till day 6.

Luke's not home so i cant give exact times other than the 14 hours & day 6 (all i remember). I do remember still having panadole before bed at 2 weeks.

You can drive as long as soon as you can stamp your foot on a hard surface (tiles etc), confident you can slam on the brakes, twist & dont have a written statement from your DR saying you cant.

[FertileMertile]

did anyone have bubs put on their chest as soon as they were born or did they take them and wrap them first?




Both my bubs were given straight to the pead to be checked out b4 I could hold them. As they have been born by c/s they need all the gunk to be sucked outta their airways. However with ds2 the nurse brought him straight over to me and held his face against mine. That was really lovely then as soon as I was being stitched up I got to hold him and carried him in to recovery.

[Fuchsia!]

Also, do you know what Im most scared about...

The cannula... :o:o:o

I hate them. Plus I dont know what to expect from a spinal/epi.

Im petrified of needles. Its written all over my records.

I got some emla cream. The anesethiic guy came up and marked my back where the spinal would go in and a spot on my hand where the cannula goes in and in the mornig i put the emla cream on the spots he marked. I didn't feel the needles at all.


Myztik, how long do they leave the epi/spinal in for? I really want that out asap along with my feral cannula, I dont even care if Im in pain I just dont want things coming out of me. When do they want you to try and get up and start moving? Apparently I am having a morning c/s...

The pads idea is good! Ill remember that one.

quitecontrary- Yep I might get cracking on a birthplan thanks for reminding me.

If you get a spinal, it doesn't stay in. Its just an injection. I chose to have the spinal because it was small like a blood test needle, but the epi was HUGE. It was that big i could see the hole in the middle of the needle.


Oh hang on, i think im mixed up, do you mean cannula that goes in your hand for the drip or the catheter to collect urine?

Anyway if you mean the cathetar to collect the urine, then make sure you ask to get it put in when you are numb. Its the worst feeling and sensation when you can feel it. Yuck.

I had my C/S at 8.30am in the morning, and i didn't get out of bed until the next day. Believe me, you don't want to get up out of bed.

I had him on the friday morning and left Sunday lunch time, i was feeling really good, but as soon as i got home it got really bad, so even if you feel good try and stay iin hospy for another night because the nurses help with everything and you don't have to worry about cooking and cleaning and looking after a toddler.

Another thing, this was the best advice i got.

When you sneeze or laugh or cough, get a rolled up terry cloth nappy and push it against your scar. It will hold it in place while you cough or sneeze. It also helps for the trip home in the car cause i remember that was agony. So make sure you have one handy all the time for those odd sneezes and coughs that come on.

[Aaliyahsmummy]

My favorite undies to wear were the cheap meshy looking ones that cotton on body always have on their front table. Not to tight not to loose, even though they sat on my scar they felt amazing!

Also (maybe tmi) make sure you ask for meds to make you do a poo if you need it. I was a bit silly in that area and ended up needing to go back to the hospital a week after my baby was born for an enama (sp?) it was the most painful thing to pass, and actually hurt my scar alot!

[Lemonhead]

Also (maybe tmi) make sure you ask for meds to make you do a poo if you need it. I was a bit silly in that area and ended up needing to go back to the hospital a week after my baby was born for an enama (sp?) it was the most painful thing to pass, and actually hurt my scar alot!

I know that pain all too well :no:.
The whole reason I am having a c.s is because after a traumatic birth I suffered a 4th degree tear and anal fissure for 2 years afterwards and had 2 surgeries. So dont worry, I will be taking my magnesium tablets with me :p.

[Liddy]

At Joondalup the cathetar was put in after I had my spinal block. It doesn't hurt coming out..

The most painful thing was getting the drip in my arm funny enough, took them 3 goes and that anasthetic stings!!!

Somebody asked about having their baby placed straight onto their chest? My 2nd bub was given to me pretty quickly, although she was quickly checked over, cord was cut then wrapped and given to me. It is FREEZING in an operating theatre, so that's why they don't like to put a bare baby on your chest.

Bek - It can get hot in hospital too, when I first had Lily I had like a cotton nightie I wore untill I could get up and shower, it was so comfy! But you look back at her newborn pics, she was wearing cotton bodysuits and a cotton wrap alot of the time, it was so hot in our room. I got the sweats big time especially when my milk came in.

[TripleTime]

At Joondalup the cannula was put in after I had my spinal block. It doesn't hurt coming out..

The most painful thing was getting the drip in my arm funny enough, took them 3 goes and that anasthetic stings!!!


The cannula goes in your hand/arm. Catheter empties your bladder.

[Liddy]

My bad...

[Ruby Sneakers]

Hi ladies
thanks so much for this thread I am preparing for my first elective c/s in mid oct due to medical reasons.
On mob so I can't quote but I know a PP asked about elective c/s heal better and quicker than emergencies - I asked my on about this a few weeks ago and apparently it's true because if u have an emergency u have been in labour ur uterus is swollen and bruised and so that has to heal before the wound will start to heal... Found that very interesting xox

[TripleTime]

Hi ladies
thanks so much for this thread I am preparing for my first elective c/s in mid oct due to medical reasons.
On mob so I can't quote but I know a PP asked about elective c/s heal better and quicker than emergencies - I asked my on about this a few weeks ago and apparently it's true because if u have an emergency u have been in labour ur uterus is swollen and bruised and so that has to heal before the wound will start to heal... Found that very interesting xox


I dont know about that. Friend of mine had a emergency CS weeks before i did. She wasnt in labour, i was & back to myself long before she was. She had a spinal, i had a GA.

[Ruby Sneakers]

I dont know about that. Friend of mine had a emergency CS weeks before i did. She wasnt in labour, i was & back to myself long before she was. She had a spinal, i had a GA.

Everyone heals at different rates, too, so it wouldnt be the case for everyone obviously, but i know myself personally i found it a bit comforting to hear that

[Guest]

I have friends who've had emergency cs for the first and then elective and the elective has been easier for them. I guess if its the first one though you won't know the difference. But you are less bruised, the cut and sticthes are neater and not rushed and your not as tired from a long labour, you go in the morning refreshed, its over in half an hour and your in recovery.
But I think it is painful regardless, why people say keep on top of meds is because as soon as they wear off you really feel how painful it actually is, I couldn't get up if I hadn't had my endos and you have to be up walking to heal quicker, so if you keep on top of them, they build up and its not painful at all. I also needed dh to help me go to the loo, change my pads, it was just hard, I felt wobbly and I did everything really slow. I wanted to walk around the hospital and I did go downstairs once, but it was too hard. However another lady who also had a cs was walking all day, getting lunch outside the hospital, I thought it was bizarre but she just felt differently and took it better.
When you get home you may want to do housework and get up and do things, but trust me you won't physically be able to, I mean its going to hurt just to get up and sit down, and worst still your wound could open up if you do something like that and you'll be prone to infection, thats the last thing you want because my friend was in hospital another 5 days as a result, so if you take it easy you'll heal quicker.
Oh and the cannula and catheter were taken out as soon as I could get up (didn't hurt at all, it was good peeing and not going to the loo, you really won't feel it!!), I had my cs at 3am and I was up at 2pm the next day, so its about 12hrs you'll be stuck in bed, then you have to get up.
But you know, it really depends how you take it, everyone is different and you may recover really well and not find it hard at all.
The most important things for me would be the baby part, seeing the baby straight away, having it in recovery, just making the delivery the best experience I could.

[Lemonhead]

At Joondalup the cathetar was put in after I had my spinal block. It doesn't hurt coming out..

The most painful thing was getting the drip in my arm funny enough, took them 3 goes and that anasthetic stings!!!

Somebody asked about having their baby placed straight onto their chest? My 2nd bub was given to me pretty quickly, although she was quickly checked over, cord was cut then wrapped and given to me. It is FREEZING in an operating theatre, so that's why they don't like to put a bare baby on your chest.

Bek - It can get hot in hospital too, when I first had Lily I had like a cotton nightie I wore untill I could get up and shower, it was so comfy! But you look back at her newborn pics, she was wearing cotton bodysuits and a cotton wrap alot of the time, it was so hot in our room. I got the sweats big time especially when my milk came in.

Ugh I HATE the cannula! Thats the part Im dreading the most!!!

Does the spinal hurt??

I remember sweating like a pig in hospital with Lucas and it was August and I just had him in a singlet and wrap because it was so hot in my room. Im kinda looking forward to being warm though :laughing:

[Lemonhead]

MBL- Im a bit of a battleaxe like that, I got home after a D&C and laporoscopy and started vaccuming the house haha. Thats why its good im staying in hospital because no doubt Id do something stupid like that if I came home. Ill try and get up as soon as I feel well enough and I know not having a shower that night will gross me out so I hope if my c/s is done early morning I can maybe have a shower that night.

Plus, a nurse is NOT removing my pads for me. Ill find a way to do it or DP can lol.

[TripleTime]

Plus, a nurse is NOT removing my pads for me. Ill find a way to do it or DP can lol.


Middy's didn't change mine either. Did myself, I learnt the hard way to change when while sitting on tie loo.

[amiee]

MBL- I know not having a shower that night will gross me out so I hope if my c/s is done early morning I can maybe have a shower that night.

Plus, a nurse is NOT removing my pads for me. Ill find a way to do it or DP can lol.

i am hoping the same, i cant go without a shower or i just feel dirty. after ds was born, i had to wait for a drip to finish before they would let me have a shower and i was mortified that i had to sit there with blood all down there it totally freaked me out. i felt so dirty.

i have already told dp that he is on pad changing duties again. he used to help me last time as i would wear so many at a time so he would pass them to me as i got out the shower.

my next question is will they help you get dressed or do you have to wear one of those gowns afterwards as i would much prefer to be in my own clothes?

also when you get home can you wear a sling with bub in it?

[Lemonhead]

Middy's didn't change mine either. Did myself, I learnt the hard way to change when while sitting on tie loo.

Yeah well thats the only place I change them anyways.

[MyCheekyMonkey]

The midwives only changed my pads while I was in bed and couldn't walk.

Also, after my c section I took metamucil tablets every day so that I didn't have any troubles going to the toilet, as there was no way I wanted an enema!

Pad over wound was the best advice I got before I had mine, it helps so much.

Co-sleeping - it wasn't recommended the first night, but once I could get out of bed and move around the midwives actually taught me how to bfeed DD in bed so we could co sleep.

Shower - for the first couple of days I couldn't bend down to dry my legs so I had a shower when DH was around so he could dry my lower body.

As tripletime has said, keep taking your pain killers to the maximum you can each day, the only time I ever felt pain was when one midwife didn't bring me pain killers for half a day, I ended up collapsing by the afternoon, and from then on they brought them in on the hour the were due and I didn't feel a thing after that - so keep on top of them!

I didn't find the cannula hurt, I just clenched my teeth and it was all over.

[Lemonhead]

Oh good questions Amiee!
The sling could put alot of pressure on your abs but might be do-able, plus yep now I am really wondering what the hell I will be wearing when my chosen close fam will come to visit. Poor SIL and BIL saw me when DS was like 10 mins old and I had just been stitched up and I was in that gorgeous gown :laughing:. Id like to look normal this time haha.

[TripleTime]

I put my own clothes on after my first shower & walked myself to NICU.

[MyCheekyMonkey]

I wore my own clothes too, was easy enough to put them on (but slow!).

[MyCheekyMonkey]

Amiee - when I got home I wore a baby bjorn with no problems.

[Guest]

The nurse changed my pads when I was in bed and couldn't move, I really didn't care about that, I was already peeing in a bag and they had to change that. I guess they see it everyday:o
But once I was up it was up to me and dh helped the first day, then I was fine after that. I also changed straight away after my shower, I never wore the gown again so I was in my own clothes. I also co-slept with ds, I was in the single bed where you could put the rails up, so I had pillows beside me and he slept in my nook while he fed, they were happy to leave him there until I needed to get up. This was a private hospy too, so the midwives were very attentive and always there to help. Not sure how I'll go this time in public?
And sling wearing, I didn't wear one till a few weeks after, mainly because I didn't really need to walk around the house with him and he slept all the time really well, but I think it'll be ok if its not heavy, you'll just have to see how you feel.

[amiee]

so do you think they will let me put my own clothes on just before i leave the recovery ward? or do i have to wait till i get back to my room? also i know bub can come to the recovery ward with me (providing that he and i are both ok) but can dp come too?

[TripleTime]

so do you think they will let me put my own clothes on just before i leave the recovery ward? or do i have to wait till i get back to my room? also i know bub can come to the recovery ward with me (providing that he and i are both ok) but can dp come too?


No, you wont be able to put your close on till after your first shower & honestly, you wont want to move till then. Yes your DP can go to recovery with you.

Check the hospital's policy though.

[Lemonhead]

Yes your DP can go to recovery with you.

Check the hospital's policy though.

Oh cool I was wondering about this.

[Hooves]

are you serious?

so do they let you co-sleep the first night with bubs as you cant get up in the night to get him when he cries or needs a feed?

did anyone have bubs put on their chest as soon as they were born or did they take them and wrap them first?





When I had mine, they put him onto my chest as soon as they could. He was snuggled under my blanket on my chest, and we were wheeled down to my room, like that. He stayed that way with me for ages. (In the hospital I had him, they do recovery on the ward, and my hubby was with me almost the whole time. He had to use the stairs, while I went down in the lift. LOL). Was a public hospy too.


Also I had the spinal, for my surgery, and after the initial, needle, My lower body went a bit tingly, then I couldn't feel a thing. It was the most amazing bizarre experience.

I did feel a bit sea sick on the table though, and my anaethetist (sp), gave me some drugs to help that.

When bub was born, he was put straight onto a table and given oxygen I think (I couldn't really see him that well, but my husband went with him). He was back within 5 minutes.

The first night, I was pretty confined to my bed, I think I got up and went for a walk, about 9pm, which was about 10 hours after my delivery. It was slow and steady and awkward, because I was still dressed in a dignity gown, and had the catheter in. It was only a short walk, and back to bed.

The weird pump up leg sock thingo, was interesting and annoying. I had that on for 2 and a half days. (only while I was lying in bed, it was taken off and put on lots). LOL

And I didn't get my first shower, until the arvo of the second day. Which annoyed the heck out of me.

I also didn't get to get dressed properly until I had my first shower.

(hope that helps someone).

I kept bub with me the whole time, and he was in my bed the first night for most of the time. He was put back into his crib, for a few hours, while I had some sleep. I found the midwives in my hospital really good, at helping get my bub, for the first day or two. My cs was my nicest birth.


I had the granny undies, LOL I found they were good for me. But I am a large girl. :laughing: They were easier to get on and off, when I was dressing, too.

I didn't really take anything special into hospy with me. I kind of just enjoyed the view of my baby. I had magazines, and my phone, though.

[kas3]

The nurses changed my pads for the first day. Tbh I can barely remember it - although it must have been quite regular cos I bled a lot with blood thinners in my system - I was so doped up those first 24 hours (I had DS under a GA) I really didn't care what was going on lol.