Your C-Section Hospital Bag
If you have a planned c-section coming up or want to be prepared in case you might have a c-section, what you need in your hospital bag will be slightly different than a vaginal delivery. (Check out my post on Preparing for Your C-Section HERE) It will be similar, but you may need a few extra items. I feel like a lot of hospital bag checklists out there list a lot of unnecessary items. This packing list really is all you need, with maybe a couple extras just in case.
You need to focus on necessities, like insurance cards and I.D.'s. And, your phone and a charger, and an infant car seat, then fill in the rest with what you think you might WANT. You will probably want comfy clothes, some makeup, a going home outfit for you and baby, and any other home comforts you might want with you. Then consider leaving room for a couple of unnecessary things like a blow dryer, snacks and a photo prop for baby photos.
When you have a c-section, you will be in the hospital for a few extra days beyond what you would if you have a vaginal birth. Prepare yourself for about 3 to 4 days at the hospital with a c-section. Since you'll be there a little bit longer, you'll need a few extra items that you might not need otherwise. You won't be moving around as much after a c-section. And, you'll need to consider where your scar will be when you finally are able to put on clothes other than a hospital gown. (Check out my post on C-Section Scar Recovery HERE)
Other than those considerations, your hospital bag will be very similar to what you would need otherwise. So, If you are pregnant with your first baby and want to be prepared just in case you may have a c-section, or if you are having a planned c-section, then this hospital packing list is perfect for you. I have included all of the items on this Printable C-Section Hospital Bag Checklist, and I have shared my favorite items from the checklist below.
My Favorite C-Section Hospital Bag Essentials
- Loose Foldover Pajama Pants - If you think about it you'll be in the hospital for about 3 days. You'll most likely wear a hospital gown the first day. Then two changes of clothes for the following days, then a going home outfit. These foldover pants are amazing. They're soft, loose, can be worn above or below your baby bump. They can also be worn unfolded so they don't irritate your c-section wound. Plus, they are only $20 and you can wear them while pregnant until its time to pack your hospital bag!
- Loose Nursing Shirts - You'll want 2-3 shirts to go with your lounge pants, or if you would be more comfortable, wear nursing friendly nightgowns the entire time you're in the hospital. They're loose and won't rub your wound. But, if you choose pants and nursing tops, I love these nursing tees that can be worn long after you leave the hospital, but are loose enough to wear over your sore belly while you're there.
- Sticky Socks or Slippers - As soon as your nurses give you the go ahead to stand up, you're going to want to walk a little every few hours to avoid blood clots. These Sticky Socks or a comfy pair of Slippers are perfect for walking in your room or making a lap in the hallway.
- Facial Wipes - You won't be able to walk much or at all the first day you're in the hospital. If you're like me, you're going to want to wash your face that first night you're there. Convenient Facial Wipes are great to remove makeup and refresh your skin in case you aren't able to get up and complete your usual nightly skincare routine.
- Dry Shampoo - Just trust me when I say you aren't going to feel like doing much with your hair after you've had a c-section. You're going to be SORE. The nice thing about a planned c-section is you have time to wash, dry and style your hair the morning you head to the hospital! So, keep your locks fresh for the first couple days you're in the hospital with a good dry shampoo.
- Fiber Gummies - I mentioned these in my C-Section Prep Post. You are going to want to eat some fiber while you're in the hospital. It will help get your digestive system working again. It will also help make your first bowel movement after birth as comfortable as possible. These Fiber Gummies are great before, during and after your hospital stay.
- Gas Pills - Any abdominal surgery allows air into your abdomen, and you are going to be extremely gassy after your c-section. Chewing gum and taking gas pills after your c-section will help you pass the gas, so it is less painful. Just check with your nurse before taking any medications other than what they give you.
- Stool Softeners - I mentioned these in my previous post about How to Prepare for your C-Section. Take these before you go to the hospital, while you're in the hospital, and after you leave the hospital. Take them until you have your first few bowel movements. Just trust me. They are 100% a C-Section hospital bag necessity.
- Extra Long Phone Charger - You're spending about 3 days in the hospital, and will mostly be in your bed. You'll be on your phone A LOT sharing your new baby! The plug on the wall is typically further than a regular phone charger can reach. An extra-long charger will be your lifeline to the outside world.
- Snacks - I take snacks so I have them on hand in case nobody is there to get me any food. You won't be able to walk a whole lot that first day. And, after fasting before your c-section you're going to be HUNGRY! Try to take snacks with a lot of fiber in them (like these) to better prepare your digestive system to start working again after surgery.
What Not to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
- Jewelry - Do not take any valuables to the hospital. They won't let you wear any jewelry during the c-section. If you can't live without something, have your husband hold it in his pocket during surgery.
- Purse - There's no need to take your entire purse with you. Simply take your insurance card, I.D. and maybe your Debit Card.
- Diapers and Wipes - The hospital will provide these for you.
- Menstrual Pads - The hospital will provide these for you.
- *Underwear - Only pack underwear if you don't plan on wearing the mesh panties home. I HIGHLY recommend the mesh underwear. Plus, grab extra pairs from your hospital room before you leave!
When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag?
Honestly, you should pack your hospital bag whenever you feel ready to. Most people suggest to pack it at about 36 weeks just in case you go in to labor early. But, if you have a planned c-section, you could probably pack at about 38 weeks.
Good luck in your C-Section!
YOU CAN SHOP ALL OF MY C-SECTION RECOVERY AND PREP RECOMMENDATIONS ON MY AMAZON STOREFRONT, HERE.
