After c-section knickers recommendations - please advise? Thank you!

[Eggfreezer2015]

Happy new year! I would really appreciate some recommendations on which knickers to buy after a c-section. Do normal full briefs do the job? Thank you x

[Kitkat82]

hey egg, so I got the mechi briefs (like the ones they give you in hospital) they really were fantastic!!! They fit the huge pads you may have to wear for a week or so. And allow good airflow. But im sure a full brief should be fine as long as the come up quite high.

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to Kitkat82]

I googled Mechi briefs but nothing came up, could you please send me a link? Thank you x

[Kitkat82 in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

ABENA Net Large Disposable Underwear | Pack of 5 | Disposable Pants for Fixing Incontinence Products and Pads | Net Incontinence Pants | Can Be Used As Postpartum Underwear for Fixing Maternity Pads amzn.eu/d/geqDvAO

[claire16c]

Just get some big high waisted full briefs granny type ones from m&s! I had an emergency section first time and only had usual pants and they were too low cut as going right across the scar. Sent my husband to m&s and that did the job x

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to claire16c]

Hi thank you for your reply, do you mean these marksandspencer.com/5-pack-...

[claire16c in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Yes exactly like that! But I’d get in black

[Chowlady14]

If you don’t mind spending a little I found the disposable maternity knickers great to start with as you literally throw them away and stay feeling very fresh. It’s 3 years since my baby and I’m still in my black high waisted m&s briefs in a size up when it’s period time or I’m feeling like I over ate at Xmas. Good luck xx

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to Chowlady14]

Thank you x

[Eloquentia]

I too found the disposable maternity knickers super helpful after my C section (got the frida mom ones, which are deeper than what they give you in hospital) and then got the M&S Bridget Jones style ones, which did the job. Best of luck with your C section!

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to Eloquentia]

Thank you x

[Purpledoggy]

I second granny pants! Buy some 1 or 2 sizes too big so they fit nicely round a pregnant belly and at your waist. I lived in them pregnant anyway 😂 oh and get black (this is wise for anyone PP anyway). Bleeding after a CS is weird, very stop n start, so I also got a dark blue fitted sheet and waterproof undercover to sleep on for a few weeks afterwards. Mine was planned CS so was prepared. Best of luck with the birth xx

[Purpledoggy in reply to Purpledoggy]

I got these ones in size 18-20. Normally a size 14. I love them, so comfy to sleep in and still in them 3.5w after my CS in Dec.

debenhams.com/product/yours...

Xx

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to Purpledoggy]

Thanks the link helps, you mentioned the bleeding, how many packs of pads did you use. Just so it gives me an idea? X

[Purpledoggy in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Not sure on packs exactly. I used maternity pads for 2 days, changing each time I used the loo (as per hospital advice to prevent infection) then switched to normal sanitary pads. So maybe 5 or 6 pads a day. The bleeding isn’t hugely different to a period after the first few days, the weird thing after CS is the bleeding really comes n goes. I bled for 6w off n on last time and got caught out by no bleeding for a week at about 3w, stopped sanitary ware, then had a huge bleed in bed 🤦‍♀️ this is apparently totally normal. I would have one or two mat pad packs then a mix of sanitary pads eg some long ones for night and regulars for the day.

I saw you mention colostrum below. Last pregnancy I started at 37w. Could only get tiny amounts to start with so used 1mL syringe (eg the ones from my expert midwife) per day, kept in the fridge, then frozen at the end of each day. I could get more out this tome so used the Hakaa pre-sterilised silicone ones, which hold 4mL. Just depends how much uou can get out. Lots of videos online to show you but you mzy need to experiment a bit for what works for you. The main thing is to do it when relaxed, no rush/pressure. I imagined feeding and cuddling my baby to get the oxytocin going. I had to do it for about 45 mins a time. You may get nothing to start with but keep at it xx

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to Purpledoggy]

Thank you for sharing this all, can get so overwhelming, especially the stuff around colostrum/breast feeding. I’ve ordered a mix of pads now x

[FreddiePats]

yep big black granny pants fan here too! Agree with the other ladies, go a size or 2 up, I got some at H&M in a multipack which were fine for me. Good luck with your section! You’ve got this!

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to FreddiePats]

Thanks, solo mum here and feeling a little scared re the actual procedure. Any tips would also be welcomed

[FreddiePats in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Will this be your first baby? Well firstly sending all my best wishes. You are doing an amazing thing by bringing a little life into the world. Be very patient with yourself if you can, this is a big operation and not the ‘easy way out’. I was in pain for a few weeks and had to remind myself not to lift anything heavier than the baby. I had a baby playlist which they played during the operation which was lovely - I’ll never forget what we listened to. Someone in the surgery offered to film my son being lifted over the curtain for me and I was hesitant - but so glad I let them. You are probably going to feel very emotional a few days after the birth - it is normal, postpartum is no joke and the first months can be a rollercoaster but you will absolutely get through every day and it will get easier. There is so much to look forward to ❤️ also, if you’re choosing to breastfeed I recommend trying to collect collostrum before the birth to get your supply going, it can take longer for your milk to come in after a c section which can feel stressful. The procedure goes by quickly and you don’t feel any pain, just some movement where they are lifting baby. I’m sorry if this isn’t that helpful - but honestly you’re going to be just fine ❤️ mamas are made of tough stuff even when it doesn’t feel like it x

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to FreddiePats]

Thank you this is very helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to share with me. I’m going to screenshot your response so I can refer back! This is my first baby. What week were you able to collect colostrum? Was it easy to get into the syringe? Did you take it in ice bags to the hospital? X

[FreddiePats in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Oh I’m so glad that was helpful! It’s no problem at all ❤️ One other thing - your memory gets a little frazzled after baby 😂 I think I started about 38 weeks? I think it does depend on when you start noticing it (my boobs started leaking slightly a few weeks before birth if they got knocked or something) - then I started having a go. It’s really small amounts at first - it will increase the more you give it a go. I actually didn’t bother to take any with me to the hospital as the amount seemed to minimal, but in hospital I used the purple syringes that they give you but I think I heard they’ve since been banned as people were trying to feed their babies with the lid still on - so I’m not sure what they’re suggesting now but your midwives will be able to help. Yes I think ice bags are a good option! My c section wasn’t planned and my baby had to spend a couple of days sedated in NICU on a sugar drip (it wasn’t the c section that caused this!) so I couldn’t try to feed him - in hindsight wish I’d tried a little more to gather the collostrum so he could have had a little. (Not saying this to scare you at all, it’s just it can be good to be prepared for every eventuality) - don’t beat yourself up at all if you don’t manage any, it’s just good to try and get your supply going if you can. Really look out for yourself and your mental health - it really can be a lot and it’s ok to let people know if you’re struggling. Also - if you can - try to make lots of meals you can freeze to come home to after hospital. It will make things much easier for you initially. And if baby doesn’t like being put down - slings are really good to keep them with you and still be able to make some dinner, get a drink etc. Sending lots of luck and love! ❤️ (sorry such a long message again!)

[Eggfreezer2015]

Thanks for sharing and I don’t mind the length of the message as it’s all helpful and I am grateful. Sorry to hear that your baby had to go to NICU initially, but glad all is well now. I hope mine start leaking beforehand as guessing that helps the process! I have a midwife appointment on Saturday so will ask about the syringes etc x

[FreddiePats in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Thank you ❤️ Good luck - you’re going to brilliant - it’s an exciting time! X