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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
Hi all-
I'm looking for some advice from some c-section veterans here - my wife and I recently found out that she will have to undergo a c-section for our second child on Tuesday, squashing any hopes of a VBAC. She didn't take the news very well, especially since her first c-section recovery did not go well at all (partially, IMO - because she did not get pain medication for almost 4 hours after the surgery, with the nurses stating the doctors hadn't prescribed any, and no doctor to be found). I've covered the other bases (made sure she has adequate help after the surgery, met with an anesthesiolgist to ensure proper pain medication, spoke to her OB/GYN, etc.), and now I'm trying to put together a care basket for her - hopefully, something that will assist her in her recovery, and both occupy her and keep her comfy. I know - not much you can put in a basket to accomplish this, in light of the circumstances, but I'm trying. Looking back - what do you wish you had when you were recovering from your c-section? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, John Nervous |
#2
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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
I've covered the other bases (made sure she has adequate help after the
surgery, met with an anesthesiolgist to ensure proper pain medication, spoke to her OB/GYN, etc.), and now I'm trying to put together a care basket for her - hopefully, something that will assist her in her recovery, and both occupy her and keep her comfy. I know - not much you can put in a basket to accomplish this, in light of the circumstances, but I'm trying. Looking back - what do you wish you had when you were recovering from your c-section? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, John Nervous It's mostly the adequate help at home afterwards that is crucial, since not only caring for the baby but taking care of her own basic needs is likely to be more difficult after a c-section than after a normal delivery. I can't imagine how I would have coped if my mom hadn't stayed with us for a week and a half and our friends hadn't organized to bring us dinner every other night for three weeks. But in terms of stuff to put in a basket....hm. Big water bottle, lots of books and magazines, cordless phone, anything else you think she might use while getting in and out of bed is a struggle -- stuff that will fit on her nightstand, within reach. Fleece cardigan, to keep her warm when sitting up or semireclined in bed. Big soft granny panties, if she isn't already wearing them for pregnancy. (I wore my normal bikini undies, under the belly, during pg but after DS was born, the waistband of those hit exactly on my incision. Ouch. Sent Mom out for some big cotton briefs.) Lots of pillows, of different thicknesses, to help her find a comfy position in bed and to provide a cushion between her incision and the baby when she's nursing or just cuddling. Wound care cleanser, if her doctors think it would be helpful and the hospital doesn't provide it. (Regular soap may sting the incision, but she may feel that using just water doesn't clean it well enough.) Regular ibuprofen, which she can probably continue to use after the prescription strength meds she brings home from the hospital are gone (check with the doc, of course). And, of course, whatever you think was, or would have been, most useful or comforting to her after the birth of your first child. Since this isn't the first time for you, you already have a good idea of what general post-partum care stuff might suit your wife. Holly Mom to Camden, almost 3 EDD #2 6/8/04 |
#3
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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
sleep, lol!
Seriously: Some comfy slippers Nice smelling lotion Pretty pajamas Didn't need anything to keep me occupied as I nursed round the clock!! What a nice idea! "John" wrote in message . .. Hi all- I'm looking for some advice from some c-section veterans here - my wife and I recently found out that she will have to undergo a c-section for our second child on Tuesday, squashing any hopes of a VBAC. She didn't take the news very well, especially since her first c-section recovery did not go well at all (partially, IMO - because she did not get pain medication for almost 4 hours after the surgery, with the nurses stating the doctors hadn't prescribed any, and no doctor to be found). I've covered the other bases (made sure she has adequate help after the surgery, met with an anesthesiolgist to ensure proper pain medication, spoke to her OB/GYN, etc.), and now I'm trying to put together a care basket for her - hopefully, something that will assist her in her recovery, and both occupy her and keep her comfy. I know - not much you can put in a basket to accomplish this, in light of the circumstances, but I'm trying. Looking back - what do you wish you had when you were recovering from your c-section? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, John Nervous |
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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
"John" wrote in message . .. Looking back - what do you wish you had when you were recovering from your c-section? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! What a sweetheart you are, John. Your wife is very lucky. Let's see... the first thing I can think of, is casseroles, casseroles, casseroles. Or delivery phone numbers and gift certificates. Getting food in, and prepared was my biggest trial after my daughter arrived. I couldn't drive for a number of weeks, and I constantly felt guilty about having chinese food delivered. And for a few days, at least, actually cooking, seemed beyond me. So taking care of the meals would be a godsend. Also: naptime. If you can somehow arrange for childcare for a couple of hours a day so your wife can nap/shower, etc, that would be helpful, as well. Everything takes longer with an incision, and while she's dealing with a newborn, she's also healing, and that takes an awful lot of energy. But basket-type things... let's see.... She won't be able to bathe for a while, so bath products are probably not useful. I would recommend that you think "services". Getting around may be a bit uncomfortable, so anything you can take off her plate would be great. HTH, Donna |
#5
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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
"Donna" wrote in message ... She won't be able to bathe for a while, so bath products are probably not useful. Maybe not a regular bath, but she will most likely be able to shower the next day (I did after both of my c-sections) and some nice shower gel and lotion would be a nice thing to have. |
#6
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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
I'm looking for some advice from some c-section veterans here - my wife and I recently found out that she will have to undergo a c-section for our second child on Tuesday, squashing any hopes of a VBAC. She didn't take the news very well, especially since her first c-section recovery did not go well at all You are such a sweetie, John. I hope the birth goes well and that your wife has a speedy and happy recovery! Mary S. mom to the Sproutkin, 22 months |
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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
John wrote in message ...
I've covered the other bases (made sure she has adequate help after the surgery, met with an anesthesiolgist to ensure proper pain medication, spoke to her OB/GYN, etc.), and now I'm trying to put together a care basket for her - hopefully, something that will assist her in her recovery, and both occupy her and keep her comfy. I know - not much you can put in a basket to accomplish this, in light of the circumstances, but I'm trying. Looking back - what do you wish you had when you were recovering from your c-section? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Not a c-section veteran myself, so I'm just guessing here, but what would probably make me happiest would be flowers at the hospital, and then lots and lots of help around the house after getting home. Irene |
#8
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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
"Donna" wrote in message ...
"John" wrote in message . .. Looking back - what do you wish you had when you were recovering from your c-section? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! What a sweetheart you are, John. Your wife is very lucky. I second that thought But basket-type things... let's see.... She won't be able to bathe for a while, so bath products are probably not useful. I would recommend that you think "services". Getting around may be a bit uncomfortable, so anything you can take off her plate would be great. Hey, since most of the stuff people are mentioning here are not basket-type things, what about slipping in some "coupons"? Like "undisturbed 1 hour nap", "undisturbed shower time", movie rentals, coupons for whatever type of food she might like. Maybe she fills one out every morning and you take care of supper? Another idea, maybe include some kind of bell, or something that she can use to get your attention when you're not with her, so she doesn't have to get up or yell. I guess a baby monitor may work for that. Keep in mind these are just some thoughts from someone who's never been through this! Michelle |
#9
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C-section - care package for recovery - suggestions?
John wrote in message ...
Looking back - what do you wish you had when you were recovering from your c-section? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, John Nervous Not the most romantic inclusion here (+ TMI alert) but I was terrified of passing solids being too much effort... nurse gave me parafin jelly (oral) - no effort required! :O Should be an over-the-counter thing. G'luck for tomorrow! -Iseult |
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