OT-C section care kit

[kevschickee]

I am the one that suggested the pads for the wound. I am a heavy woman and my incision was under my belly fat(I am so embarassed that I just typed that lol) so I needed something to soak up and sweat ot moisture.

 

[mjejj]

Make sure she has slip on shoes. Something like crocs (even though they are ugly, they are comfy) or something comfortable to slip on that she can leave the house in for dr. appts or whatever. I felt like such a baby having to have someone tie my shoes but bending over to do it was much too painful. Also, maybe a chair for the shower. I had an emergency c-section with other health issues so this might not be a problem everyone has, but I couldn't stand for very long to take a shower. A cheapy patio chair worked great for me. That way she can take a nice, long shower by herself. I too did not have to take heavy duty pain meds. Just some motrin, hopefully she will be lucky too.

 

[lntsmom]

My strong suggestion, having had two c-sections, is to either do the meal thing or consider paying for a maid service to help her out. If you take meals, please make sure you put them in disposable pans and include disposable plates and silverware. Cleaning right after a c-section is no fun at all!

If you don't work in the morning you might consider setting a time for the first week or two when you stop by each day, watch the baby so she can have a shower, vacuum for her, and take out the garbage.

If you do work, you might consider calling her each day before you leave work to see if there's anything she needs at the store that you could pick up on the way home.

As a single mom I had issues because I wasn't supposed to carry out the garbage, vacuum, etc. On top of having had major surgery and caring for a newborn I was also caring for an elderly handicapped relative. I especially appreciated the folks who brought a meal, admired the baby, then left!

One big thing...DO NOT stop by unannounced or call and tell her you are coming by with just a few seconds warning. I had two "friends" do this...they came together and brought their total of 5 children who proceeded to go into the nursery and tear everything off the shelves! I cried for an hour after they left.

Oh, one other thing, you might consider offering to go get her pain medication when she leaves the hospital. That was also something that was a horrible experience!

Good luck to her!

p.s. I would ignore the advice that your friend will be up and back to normal in 48 hours. In the 15 years since I had my first c-section the poster here is the only person I've ever heard make that statement. A c-section is major abdominal surgery. For many women it follows a long and traumatic labor.

 

[Mrs D]

Wow! What incredible responses! Thank you so much for all the age advice. I have had 2 vag deliveries and didn't know how different a c-sec would be.
I will put together a little basket of goodies for her and will have meals in the freezer ready for delivery!
I will pass on a list of other items she might want to pick up before baby arrives. I so understand how a guy can screw up a run to the store!

The Earth Mama Angel Baby products look really cool!

Thank you all for the words of wisdom.

 

[Erica09M]

p.s. I would ignore the advice that your friend will be up and back to normal in 48 hours. In the 15 years since I had my first c-section the poster here is the only person I've ever heard make that statement. A c-section is major abdominal surgery. For many women it follows a long and traumatic labor.

I guess you're speaking about me. Both of my sisters had c-sections as well, and all 3 of us had quick recoveries and were feeling back to ourselves within a couple days. I guess for some reason we had it way easier than others? The day I left the hospital with my first, we went shopping a couple hours after coming home (the mall and WalMart). I delivered on Sunday (after 24 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing, then c-section) and was shopping Tuesday. My SIL also had a c-section, and wasn't so lucky. But then again, she refused to get out of bed and walk/move around... where my sisters and I got out of bed as soon as possible (I was begging to get out of bed as soon as the numbness wore off) and I didn't put my butt back in that bed except to nurse and sleep. The rest of the time I was playing host to company (wonderful, I know... I wish I had a little more alone time in the hospital), entertaining my then 3 year old (for my 2nd c-section), sitting in the chair, taking walks, etc.

You are right, c-sections are MAJOR abdominal surgeries... but we all recover differently. So I wouldn't necessarily ignore what I said... because it is definitely a possibility.

 

[rt2dz]

p.s. I would ignore the advice that your friend will be up and back to normal in 48 hours. In the 15 years since I had my first c-section the poster here is the only person I've ever heard make that statement. A c-section is major abdominal surgery. For many women it follows a long and traumatic labor.

I guess you're speaking about me. Both of my sisters had c-sections as well, and all 3 of us had quick recoveries and were feeling back to ourselves within a couple days. I guess for some reason we had it way easier than others? The day I left the hospital with my first, we went shopping a couple hours after coming home (the mall and WalMart). I delivered on Sunday (after 24 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing, then c-section) and was shopping Tuesday. My SIL also had a c-section, and wasn't so lucky. But then again, she refused to get out of bed and walk/move around... where my sisters and I got out of bed as soon as possible (I was begging to get out of bed as soon as the numbness wore off) and I didn't put my butt back in that bed except to nurse and sleep. The rest of the time I was playing host to company (wonderful, I know... I wish I had a little more alone time in the hospital), entertaining my then 3 year old (for my 2nd c-section), sitting in the chair, taking walks, etc.

You are right, c-sections are MAJOR abdominal surgeries... but we all recover differently. So I wouldn't necessarily ignore what I said... because it is definitely a possibility.

I'll just add a little bit to that.

I have had 3 c-sections. My first was not a pleasant experience. I had 24 hours of labor before my emergency c-section. The kind of emergency when they are prepping you going down the hall to the OR. By the time it was all said and done, I wasn't allowed up out of bed for 2 days. On top of the issues with my DS (heartbeat stopping), I had problems. I was running a fever and was in and out of focus. It was not a good situation all the way around. I was in the hospital for a week. Luckily, while they will release mom before they release baby, they don't release baby before they release mom. It was another 1-1 1/2 weeks before I could stand up straight or have the strength to actually hold my child while standing.

While my second c-section was considered an emergency, it was not. I started to have the same problems as I did the first time around and opted for the c-section rather than going through what I went through the first time. I could have run a marathon in less than 24 hours. Granted, a lot of that is because they cut along the same line--through scar tissue v. muscle.

My OB told me that there is a wide spectrum of recovery and I was on both sides of the spectrum.

With my third (completely and totally planned c-section), I was up and about, but not fully, within 48 hours. What my OB referred to as typical. I hurt, but not dramatically. I had all the usual surgery restrictions, but none of the pain. I could take care of my other two children and get out of the house. And a good thing too, because I found myself driving a car with me and all three kids evacuating for Hurricane Rita. That was a big 18 hour drive to get 4-5 hours away. DH had the dogs in the other car and followed me.

Each recovery experience can be dramatically different.

 

[lovintennessee]

All this is great advice that I am just going to add onto. I also had an emergency c section with my son and the one thing that I appreciated the most was the amount of time others spent with the older sibling. Friends and family came to play with her and spend time with her so she would not felt left out.

In my opinion, that is what I needed the most. Knowing that my daughter was also being taken care of and that meant the world to me.

 

[monorailsilver]

I had 2 c/s & 1 V delivery.

I would say meals, snacks, etc..

There really wasn't much I needed. I had pads.

I don't think I took any pain killers once I left the hospital as I didn't really have any pain other then muscle stretching & yes I was one of those that was back to normal (other then muscle stretching pain) the day after both c/s. The day after I had my 3rd I told my nurse I was ready to go home & she thought I was crazy but I stayed one more night.

How about a post pregnancy massage, manicure, pedicure or something like that. Heck a foot massage would of been heaven after my feet swelled like there was no end in sight.

Encourage her to move (unless medically unable to do so). After I had my first they wouldn't let me up until that evening, about 8 hours later. After my 2nd I got up about 4 hours later (had to wait for the shift change). But once I was up my nurse kept telling everyone "she had a c/s at 11am today & she is walking..."

Tell her to get up & walk every hour, even if just for 5 or 10 min. Put the baby in the bassinet & push it around the halls.

OK back to your question...offer to take her places as you are not supposed to drive for 2 weeks, well my OB told me once I can push my foot down like I am pressing on the brake I could drive. Um..I left the hospital & I was able to do that.

 

[Avonlady1001]

I am the one that suggested the pads for the wound. I am a heavy woman and my incision was under my belly fat(I am so embarassed that I just typed that lol) so I needed something to soak up and sweat ot moisture.

Don't be embarrassed! I've got a big belly too...and it was even bigger after giving birth!! My doc gave me big gauze sheets after my 1st section because my body wouldn't let my incision stay dry (same reasons as you). I folded them in 1/2 & tucked it up under there...I asked my doc (different doc) after my 2nd section for the guaze...I just knew I'd need it. It helped keep it dry!

I had 2 great experiences...the first was after 24hrs labor, then an emergency C...that recovery was a bit harder. I took only Motrin (mainly b/c that's all they offered & I didn't know any better. Now I do!!) The 2nd I took percoset once. It did nothing for me, so I went back to the Motrin which really did help. That recovery was much quicker...I think I was back to almost normal w/in the week.

Other than Motrin, breast pads (bf'ing or not, she'll need them!), and comfy pants (BIG undies are a life saver! She may already have maternity panties though...I just wore those before & after), there's really nothing else I can think of.

Maybe a maid & chef? LOLOL


ETA: Just read some more posts....when I said I was back to normal w/in the week, I was out of bed by nightfall, and moving around wonderfully the next day. My doctor & nurses were amazed how well I got in & out of bed (which is TOUGH) and I fed my kids sitting cross-legged on the bed. While perhaps not typical, every recovers differently, and everyone has different pain tolerance, it is definitely possible to feel great 24-48 hours after the surgery. There are still restrictions (no lifting anything heavier than the baby, no driving for 2 weeks, no sex for 6, etc...) I left the hospital a day early...w/ my doctor's blessing since I was doing so well.

OP, DON'T let your friend listen to all the horror stories people will tell her when they find out she's having a section...it'll drive her nuts!!

 

[DISdreamin']

Both my little ones were born via c-s and the recoveries were fine - I agree there is a wide spectrum, as a friend was warning me I wouldn't be comfortable doing stairs for days, if not weeks, etc. I was doing laundry for DS two days after we got home, going up and down two flights of stairs to accomplish it. With the second, the recovery was even easier as I knew to get up and around as quickly as was realistically possible!

For suggestions, I can't TELL you how good the meals people brought over, hot and ready to go, were. I was famished, but too tired to even wait for things to microwave or heat in the oven. Anyways, I'll second the "help with baby so mom can have a shower" or "bring a meal including disposable utensils and plates"!!

 

[turkeymama]

All I can say to the OP is bless you for taking the time to do this. I wish someone had helped me like that during either of my c-sections. The first was after 24 hours of labor, with 13 of those being in hard labor. The second was planned, but I lost so much blood that I couldn't physically sit myself up or get out of bed for 48 hours. Which brings me to my second point. God bless all of you who were able to get up and move about pretty quickly after c-sections.

Back to the OP's questions. The pillow to hold over her tummy when she coughs/sneezes, etc is invaluable. I couldn't survive without one for about 2 weeks. Also, the pre-made meals are just as important. DH was worthless in the kitchen and couldn't even make me instant oatmeal, bless his heart. I would also reiterate the snacks and insulated cup to keep on hand, especially if she is going to nurse. It is so important to eat some healthy foods and stay hydrated when nursing. I'm a big "sock" person, so I would also say add a nice pair of non-skid socks for her to wear around the house. I couldn't even wear my slippers for a few weeks due to the swelling, but I wanted something on my feet.

Other than that, you have already received some wonderful responses.

 

[rainydayplay]

My DD was 2 weeks late when they decided my pelvis wasn't wide enough to accommodate a child. I was given the option: we can induce labor, and you can go through hours of painful labor that will go nowhere then have an emergency c-section - or - just have a c-section. I was awake for the procedure (no tube down the throat = no having to cough due to having had a tube down the throat). Was not offered a pillow to make walking around easier...so I don't know if that would have helped.

I hated that they brought me to the hospital room, wheeled the gurney next to the bed, and said "Okay, move over". Just had major surgery...spinal block has worn off...I've had no other pain medication...and you want me to do WHAT? Don't ask how I made it without help.

I had...what is it, demerol? You know..the one where you know you're in pain but you just really don't care? I was not allowed out of bed that first day. I was cleaned up the next morning and shuffled into the shower to bathe by myself and thought I was going to pass out. Later that day...they offered me a Mylicon (the thought was that all that air gets trapped in your body and adds to the pain). That was absolutely the best thing ever to me. I didn't have to take anything else for the pain after that. I think I even still have the prescription for whatever they gave me for pain -- the paper for it, never filled the prescription.

I wound up with an itchy rash around the incision area and had post-partum edema with a bp of 170/120 or so. They kept making me lay down in the dark and I was instructed to not do anything but take care of baby and not to lift anything heavier than baby for those first few weeks. I am a single mom, though, and family was too far away to be able to help, so that really wasn't an option.

What would have helped me would have been pre-cooked meals and help around the house. And less immediate stress. Once the stress was gone, so was the edema. Go fig.

Oh yeah...some one to strangle the person who was supposedly a friend who said I had a very ugly baby....to my face! Some one to strangle her would have been fab.

 

[megthewonderful]

Having had 3 c-sections, some pre-made meals were a lifesaver! The thought of having to maneuver around the kitchen after a c-section was unbearable. I remember thinking, I can't even bend over to get out the pots and pans to attempt to cook.

And as a more personal gift, I think I already saw it mentioned. Some high waisted underwear. High waisted undies won't rest on the incision or cause additional pain or friction on the incision. Definitely not the most stylish, but man are they comfortable after a c-section!

Congrats to your friend and congrats to you for being such a wonderful friend to put together such a great and thoughtful gift!

 

[koima]

Freeze a couple of meals that can easily be reheated. My mom did this when my first son was born and it was a godsend! She froze everything in the same oven-safe pan and included the pan, so they all stacked nicely in the freezer and I didn't have to figure out what to reheat it in. Excellent!

 

[kevschickee]

My recovery from my c-section weren't easy but I didn't feel like I was going to die. It hurt but I was up and walking by that night. IMO it is so important to get moving as soon as they take the cath out. My 1st section I had a ton of help but my 2nd I had a 17 month old so I was moving really quick. As soon as I got the staples out a few days later I was perfectly fine so I guess it just depends on the person.