You will never have the perfect garb at your first event, but you can have some pretty cool garb.

I recommend contacts, black out contacts if you can afford them. They can give you some big wow points

Practice makeup the weeks before. A lot of the characters personality will come from the face. YouTube tutorials. I liked this one: https://youtu.be/Xzm9nzAQe4U, but if it's an outdoor or combat larp it may not be appropriate.

Next I will recommend a corset. Corsets are easy to buy, comfortable, and sexy as hell no matter your shape. Here's an example of what I would look into getting: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ESYASXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_k-xJxb81BDKWY

Last depends on the character's personality. You can either do a skirt or pants. I'd do a pair of pleather pants because that's the type of character I play. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U83KYIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uiyJxbMK49XWC

Something else you could look into is hair. I'd dye my hair black and spike it, but my hair is short. You could also look into getting a wig. Sometimes you can get the look you want without a wig which is what I'd recommend if you can. Long and straight is a classic, but high ponytail is dominatrixy.

Tit-bits here and there can really make a character shine. Pop into your local thrift store to check out belts, jewelry, and non costume props like a goblet or black leather boots.

Head jewelry is a must for any princess. Something like this maybe: https://www.etsy.com/listing/202284704/gold-headdress-gold-head-chain-boho

Add some sculpy horns. There are so many tutorials on this. If you're budget is a little more fluffy buy some horns like: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JH8T9A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0uyJxb2CTFW3A I'd spray paint them to look like bone and reenforce the horns with clips and better elastic for active wear.

Fangs might be a good idea too. I normally use scarecrow brand for those. They're inexpensive and look good. It's a good bang for your buck

Really what it comes down to is the characters purpose and personality. I'd do a combat succubus because that's what I would enjoy playing (lust and wrath are easy for me). You could also do an extremely useful vain daemon and be painfully georgeous, you could never do combat and get away with a lot better costuming. I don't know what your budget is either. I normally drop $100 on any character I start, but you could be rich. I don't know.

I didn't have a c-section, but I studied to be a nurse and spent time in post-surgical rehab, know a few friends who have had a c-section, and my mom's best friend had something like 30-35 abdominal surgeries because her intestines are awful, so maybe some of these secondhand tips will help...

I let my friend borrow some foldover-waist lounge pants for her recovery. I think they were George brand sold at Walmart for $12. Wouldn't be surprised if the exact pants are no longer sold, but look for something in a super stretchy fabric that doesn't compress whatsoever. These hug very very gently. Favorite pants on earth!! I'm on the lookout for another pair, if I find some, I'll try and find your post and tell you where I saw more.

Have little stations set up in at least two places you expect to spend a lot of time. You could get something like one of the carts from IKEA or set up book shelves with lots of baskets lined up. Find somewhere to stock diapers, wipes, diaper cream, new onesies, at least 10 burp cloths, batteries (or chargers) for remotes to whatever TV or entertainment consoles you'll be using to keep yourself occupied, swaddle blankets, a throw blanket for you, a gallon ziploc bag full of granola bars, fruit snacks, single-serving bags of crackers, trail mix, whatever you want to keep your energy up. If you plan to breastfeed, plan to be ravenously hungry. The last thing you want is to have to get out of bed and walk down or up a flight of stairs to be able to feed yourself. My husband has a 100oz mug that he fills with ice water. The bonus to those is it's literally more water than I could drink in an entire day. If you're breastfeeding, you will need a fuckton of water and the 32oz mug the hospital sends you home with will likely need refilled 3-4 times a day. Plan ahead and get at least a 64oz mug if you know you're going to be down for hours at a time. Or if room temperature bottled water works better for you, cool. We actually had a mini-fridge that I was gonna move from the office to our bedroom or the nursery, but it ended up being kinda noisy, and I wouldn't want it right next to my bed. You could always get a cooler and reusable ice packs, and have your spouse swap those out every morning and fill it with bottled water, Gatorade, or whatever else, so you do have a way to keep drinks cool. I just know I got real sick of room temperature drinks real fast, and the mug the hospital sent home didn't work for keeping my drinks cold for extended periods of time.

Have extra parts on hand for your breast pump, if you're going to use one. Have formula if that's what you're going to use. Have 5+ bottles on hand if you're going to pump or formula feed. Plan for spit-up and projectile barf. Clean sheets, a stack of clean shirts and extra pants or dresses to change into, when it happens. It will happen.

Have any pain medications split into two bottles, maybe just ask for an extra one or dump an old prescription and rip off the label, so you can split your pain meds to each of your survival stations. Few things suck like knowing it's going to hurt like a bitch to get up, but it's gonna hurt worse if you don't, because you left your meds in another room, and you're stuck in a lose-lose situation.

Words from another friend about her c-section recovery... "It wasn't fun. Can't lay down, can't stand, can't really walk. I had to be lifted off the couch, help sitting down, help up the stairs, help into bed." It took a solid week with lots of drugs before she could move without someone helping her. "What hurt the most, for me, was the jiggling. This new flabby belly bouncing around was was killed the most. And our house has 3 floors, so going up and down those damn stairs was very painful. I would hold onto the railing and drag myself up." We talked about belly bands: "3 in 1 Postpartum Support - Recovery Belly/waist/pelvis Belt Shapewear (Nude) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_9LWuyb9FP3Q3K This is the one I got. Lifesaver. I still wear it. It is great back support as well. Instant relief when I put it on. Only complaint is that it can be hard to wear and sit down without it riding up."

Will your husband be able to take off 7-10 days from work to be home with you? Do you have a sibling or parent or other close friend that can assist you if your husband can't take time off? Ask in advance for help. And not just "hold the baby so I can shower" help, but someone willing to do two loads of laundry because your baby has projectile vomited after multiple meals, and you need your clothes, their clothes, and your sheets cleaned.

I would also recommend keeping some hygiene items in your survival station. Deodorant, hair ties to pull your hair up, and maybe a travel size mouthwash. Lotion if you have dry skin. I avoid chapstick since I know it cakes layers of dead skin to my lips... you can use lanolin (nipple cream) as a lip balm, as well as coconut oil.

Have several options for entertainment. Adult coloring books and colored pencils, a bunch of apps on your phone to keep you entertained, maybe a Gameboy with a game you haven't played in 15 years, find a new YouTube channel with cool videos to queue up (may I recommend scishow?)

Do anything you can to have things within reach. If things need to be a few feet away, get a grabber. No shame. So many movements require your abdominal muscles, and you just don't comprehend how much your core muscles affect your entire body until you can't use them to even twist or pull something closer to you. You just avoid all movement possible for several days, and even going to the bathroom is exhausting and painful. Stool softeners were also a must with surgery recovery, a lot of pain meds will completely shut down your ability to poop.

Browse around and find some c-section recovery posts, I'm sure there are a bunch of super helpful tips and tricks that won't end up getting shared here!

And you will be ok. A common theme I saw was despair that the pain would never end. Especially with postpartum hormone crash, and exhaustion from no sleep, and having to be on a constant medication schedule so you don't feel like you're dying. Prepare yourself for possibly feeling doomed, and know that the pain goes away, and you learn your baby's cues, and you will sleep again, and everything will be fine. So many people focus so hard on preparing for the surgery and recovery that they forget that they also have to be a mom afterward, and that transition alone can be brutal. There are people who handle it just fine. I was not one of those people. I thought I would dive right in and just struggle with exhaustion, ya know? Told myself I could handle that. And I just didn't comprehend how things magnified each other... it wasn't just "sleep deprivation + breastfeeding pain + stitches and severely bruised tailbone + screaming baby" no, not for me. Change the plus signs to multiplication signs. The pain and exhaustion and crying was like torture for me. Have a plan for someone to call if it gets like that for you. A best friend, a neighbor, a parent, someone who can come be there to help you with short notice. They need to know that an SOS text means "I'm falling apart, I need you, are you able to come over?" I think that so often we read these birth stories on babybumps from moms 12-72 hours out from birth and they say their baby eats like a champ and it's so worth it, but then you don't see their posts on breastfeeding and beyondthebump when they feel like they're drowning, and we just get this false hope that if we can make it through birth, everything will be fine. Prepare for the worst, anything better is a tender mercy. It doesn't last forever, but it's really common and it can be really isolating. You will survive. Just know your limits and know who will be there for you if you need help.

Girl. I feel you. While I do agree with most people on here that it is not as noticeable you may think it is, I have the same issue and totally understand how you feel. I bought this (and eventually the short torso version because I am quite short) and it helped immensely. They're still stretchy but define your shape more. I immediately felt happier about the way that I looked in something that hugged my hips. You look absolutely gorgeous, but I recommend something like that if you're willing to try it out!

Thanks for the Plush Doll recommendation.

I did some further research and put together this shopping list for anyone who wants an amazing VR porn experience:

Busty Aichan, as mentioned

Meiki Plush: https://www.toydemon.com/meiki-plush-doll

MeMoi SlimMe Full Bodysuit, Size S, Nude color:
https://www.classicshapewear.com/p/memoi-slimme-full-bodysuit-with-thigh-shaper-msm-122

corset (size small or XS?): http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Premium-Breathable-Trainer-Corset/dp/B01CW3IZ5O?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Nursing bra (size 34 C): http://www.walmart.com/ip/Loving-Moments-by-Leading-Lady-Maternity-Wirefree-Softcup-Nursing-Bra-with-Full-Sling-2-Pack/37796750

Maria Ozawa: https://www.toydemon.com/meiki-maria-ozawa-masturbator

Water-based lube

Onahole warmer: https://www.toydemon.com/usb-onahole-warmer

Consider downloading a video that features the missionary position (rare in these early days since it's hard to film). For example, there's the excellent VirtualRealPorn episode called "Good Morning III." https://virtualrealporn.com/video/good-morning-iii/

I bet VR and doll sex are going to become so satisfactory that you're going to see reductions in STDs and acts of adultery.
Hopefully, it won't also reduce intimacy between two committed partners, however. My recommendation: only engage in these virtual experiences when your significant other is out of town.

What else is good to get?

Things to bring: phone charger, sleep mask, breastfeeding pillow (didn’t bring and wish I had), nipple butter, chapstick, travel size shampoo and soap for the one shower you’ll take, baggy dress for coming home (had to have my mom run out for one), a onesie for baby, and car seat. Honestly if you need anything else, you can have someone run out and grab it!

No need to bring pads or undies, just use hospital ones and take a bunch home with you! I made sure I brought home a huge bag of free hospital loot with me, including diapers and wipes for baby. Take anything that isn’t nailed down. Pump parts, everything. Ask for more packs of diapers and anything you want from the nurses!!

Things to have at home: regular pads, stool softener, Motrin (all I took at the hospital and at home...was totally fine and didn’t need the hardcore drugs), abdominal binder (I got this one from Amazon like two weeks out and it was CLUTCH in helping me be more mobile, should have gotten it earlier: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M91K43V?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share - I ordered a large based on my still-inflated belly)

Good luck!! 🍀

Chapstick and saline nose spray if you’re like me a prone to nosebleeds. The air in hospitals is always so dry. And peppermint essential oil because anesthesia generally makes me nauseous and I like to pretend it helps a little lol.

Also, for my (repeat) c section this time I bought an abdominal binder to wear afterwards to help feel less like my guts were going to fall out. This one was super inexpensive on amazon and was recommended to me by my mom who had a hernia repair/tummy tuck earlier this year.

i used this one about an hour a day from weeks 4-12: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=asc_df_B00T2WBJJ85388490/

i liked it well enough. i had a REALLY strong core prior to baby, and it has returned pretty evenly. can't say if its genes, nutrition, or the girdle, but everything went back pretty nicely.

Nice! I got [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017UNJTLK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) from Amazon. It did an okay job of flattening out my stomach, although I've already popped one of the fasteners taking it off (was able to fix it with a lot of thread). And a bra from K-Mart (those are still a thing in Pennsylvania, somehow) stuffed with birdseeded stockings filled me out well enough too. Good luck!

A Few of my Favorite Things

Vitalyte electrolyte replacement powder

• low sugar, no stevia
  
  
• no artificial colors or flavors
  
  
• delicious
  
  
• available as a subscription on Amazon Prime
  
  
• https://www.vitalyte.com/products/electrolyte-replacement.html
  
  
  Dr. McDougall's Vegan Miso Ramen Big Cup
  
  
• 190 calories
  
  
• 8g protein
  
  
• 770mg sodium
  
  
• quick and easy
  
  
• https://www.rightfoods.com/shop/miso-soup-with-organic-ramen-noodles-big-cup-6-pack/
  
  
  Abdominal Binder (breathable)
  
  
• I have neurally mediated hypotension. Tightened just before standing, it prevents my blood pressure from dropping, so I don't pass out at work anymore. Yay!
  
  
• To be effective, it needs to go from just under your breasts to below your waist (it should cover part of your pelvis).
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1E83HN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qlxRCb5XXRNSY
  
  
  Hand and Foot Massage Ball
  
  
• inexpensive ($5 at TJ Maxx)
  
  
• good for rolling between your hands when they get stiff or sore, especially at work, or under your feet
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K175B54/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iKxRCbXX274TH

Hi Hun, we'll get to waist training and wigs but it's understandable if you want it now!

I've dipped my toe into waist training using things like this and working down the sizes.

As for wigs, I've got no experience yet but I think it's best to go a little on the expensive side. Cheaper ones tend to really not be of good quality and it shows.

Be sure to come back and let everyone know what you decide and how it works out!

I got one on Amazon here for the same reason, I didn't want to spend tons of money on something that may or may not work. It has 658 reviews and people seem to like it, so it may be worth looking into. It seems to be pretty solidly constructed, decent quality, and it's got a hip belt, waist belt, and something else or other that's supposed to help.

I believe this is the one I got. I got it in small as well. Started at the largest hook but managed to work my body to the smallest one!! I've heard it works better if you wear it often, especially while working out 😘

Not specifically a girdle, but shapewear... this Squeem one is heavy duty and good if you're wearing a fabric it won't show through.

Other than that, I use Flexees for all my shapewear needs. I've had girdles, corsets, torsettes, tank tops, panties... everything is golden.

Shapewear is also an option, if you're comfortable with it. I have this waist cincher from amazon that does amazing things with my muffin top and makes it disappear.

I wore some high waisted PJ pants and a nursing tank to the hospital. And slip on sneakers. They had me change into a hospital gown prior to getting ready for the surgery. For the actual procedure they pushed the gown way up on to my side of the drape. I'm not sure if wearing my.own gown would have been an option, it definitely would have gotten pretty bloody while recovering afterwards. I was basically laying in bed with a giant pad under me for the first few hours as after the procedure until I was allowed to get up and walk around.

This is the support belt I bought: TiRain 3 in 1 Postpartum Support... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the girdle I went with, surprisingly comfy in the legs.

ShaperQueen 1015 Women Best Waist... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F67L2UI?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Just buy one of those waist trainers off Amazon. Theres lots to choose from. I got a small size. Tightest I could find lol.

Divafit Women's Waist Trainer, Black, Small https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00PSZRZT6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_quhzCb1NGYPQD

The next step is corsets obviously. But I'm not that hardcore yet lol

I'm a short girl. After abdominal surgery, I alternated between the hospital one and this one - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HO5ZBNY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It's not very breathable, but it's very supportive. I had open MALS surgery, so I had difficulty sitting up for a few weeks and this gave me the help I needed. When my ribs are really irritated, it can help with that, too. The one that the hospital gave me was more breathable, but it also came up higher.

I’m getting this one because I’d like to get my hips back together too ;)

3 in 1 Postpartum Support - Recovery Belly/waist/pelvis Belt Shapewear (Nude) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hHI-AbS8T35GC

I just bought this for post partum and I've actually been wearing it loosely at 28 weeks because it helps my hips and back so much. It seems worth the 20.00. I like that it's velcro so you can choose how tight it will be.
https://www.amazon.com/Postpartum-Support-Recovery-pelvis-Shapewear/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474476029&sr=8-1&keywords=post+partum+support

I was thinking something like this? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Senchanting-Breathable-Trainer-Underbust-Bodyshaper/dp/B00WU65VEC/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1473750872&sr=8-10&keywords=underbust%2Bsteel%2Bboned%2Bcorset&psc=1

Any good?

<3

Rago is really good, I use What Katie Did also but I think for what you're looking for something like this will work: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O23AXM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I18CKZ0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

That's the one I ordered for my recovery and it's been great!

I bought this one...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was recommended here on BabyBumps awhile back and I figured I'd give it a try! :)

Oh, I have a three-piece binder on my amazon wish list to buy later on this summer . . . this one

Seconded. If you are wanting to make the gut go away while you are waiting on weight loss, Maidenform makes some great waist shapers.

Here's what I use

Other than that, weight loss will help it go away eventually.

this does wonders