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Preparing to have my first daughter, I was not expecting to end up having a c-section. I did, however, look up everything that I would need. This led to me overpacking and not using over half the things I brought to the hospital, granted – I’ve always been an overpacker.
Fast forward to having a scheduled C-section with my second daughter, and I now knew exactly what I needed to pack in my hospital bag. I was always packed around 36 weeks, since you never know what could happen. I would pack everything except for the essentials that I use every day, such as my glasses and toothbrush.
Choosing a Hospital Bag
You want to choose a hospital bag that you can fit everything in, and don’t need anything specific. With our first, I took a weekender-like bag, but then for our second, I took a carry-on suitcase case which made it easier for my husband to bring in and out of the hospital. Although I had bought a specific bag to use as my hospital bag for our first baby, I realized with my second that any bag you have can work too.
If you choose to purchase a new bag to use as your hospital bag, I highly recommend a weekender bag like this one here (affiliate link- I earn commission).
Essential Documents & Paperwork
ID and insurance card & any hospital registration paperwork
Birth plan- if you have one with preferences for a c-section. For example, if you want music playing or for yourself or your partner to do skin-to-skin with the baby.
Folder- You will receive essential papers during your stay in the hospital after having your baby. My hospital gives information on newborns and for new mothers. We also got papers about my baby’s hearing test and discharge paperwork for me with information on how to care for my incision. All of this can easily get misplaced.
Clothing
Pajamas- This could be a nightgown or loose pajama pants with a nursing friendly top. You essentially want something that will not rub on your incision since that will be sore. I chose to go with a night gown since I didn’t want the feeling of any type of waistband on my stomach. It also had buttons in the front so I was able to nurse my baby easily. You could also just wear a hospital gown too. Find the nightgown here (affiliate link- I earn commission).
Nursing bras- If you choose to breastfeed, you will be feeding your newborn very often. A bra that is comfortable and supportive, as well as convenient, is a must. Check out my all-time favorite nursing bras by Kindred Bravely (affiliate link- I earn commission).
Socks with grips or slippers- You can bring something that’s comfier and softer than the traditional hospital socks. Most of the time I wore the hospital ones, but with my second baby I had brought a pair of slippers. I knew I would be wearing compression socks and didn’t want to get them dirty on the floors.
Going home outfit- you are going to want something that is not going to rub on your incision. I always did a pair of maternity leggings or joggers and a big t-shirt. Find the maternity joggers here (affiliate link- I earn commission).
Postpartum & Recovery Essentials
Most postpartum essentials were provided by my hospital, which I learned before having my kids. However, if there are certain products you like (ex. Frida Mom products) you can bring those.
Adult diapers/ large pads- Hospitals usually supply you with these items, but if there are certain ones you prefer, you’ll want to bring them. I personally love the Frida Mom disposable boyshorts (affiliate link- I earn commission), but I used everything the hospital provided while I was there.
Compression socks- To help with the swelling after your c-section. My leg definitely swelled up after both of my deliveries. I didn’t use them the first time until after I went home. With my second c-section, I brought them to the hospital and it made a difference starting to use them earlier. I even found some cute ones here (affiliate link- I earn commission).
Nipple balm/ nursing pads- If you decide to either breastfeed or pump, then this will come in handy, especially those first few days while you’re in the hospital. There are a lot to choose from, it’s all about your preference. Two of my favorites were the Frida Mom No-Mess Nipple Balm and MotherLove Organic Lanolin-Free Nipple Cream. (affiliate links- I earn commission)
Compression belly binder: This helps provide support for your abdomen after surgery. My hospital did provide one with my first baby, but I found this one and took it with my second. It can all depend on you and your delivery. With my first, I couldn’t tolerate wearing one. But with my second, I loved the one I got.
Mint gum- Can help with trapped gas. After my first c-section, I had pretty bad gas pains. For my second c-section, I chewed gum a few times during the day after it and my gas pains/trapped gas was significantly better.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please consult your physician. Even though something may have worked for me, it may not work for everyone.
Toiletries & Self-Care Items
Shower essentials– I couldn’t wait to take a shower as soon as I could after having my babies. You don’t need much, just some travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I also put some old flip-flops in my bag to wear in the shower. My hospital provided towels and washcloths but you could always bring your own.
Toothbrush & toothpaste– Even if you don’t shower, brushing your teeth makes you feel a little fresher.
Hairbrush & hair ties- Keeping your hair detangled since you’ll be in the hospital bed. I had longer hair so I wanted to wear it up out of the way when nursing my newborn
Deodorant- Helps stay fresh
Lotion & chapstick- hospitals are dry, lotion and chapstick can help prevent it from affecting your skin
Entertainment & Comfort Items
Phone charger (extra long)- Usually the outlets are not very close to the hospital bed so a long charging cord can be very convenient.
Tablet or Kindle- Optional. I had packed my Kindle both times, but only used it once or twice. There was some downtime while the baby was sleeping, but I chose to sleep during that time as well. As others say, “sleep when the baby sleeps”, and that couldn’t be more true.
Headphones- Optional. The baby will sleep a lot during your hospital stay, so headphones can be useful if you want to watch a movie or show, or listen to music.
Snacks & a large refillable water bottle- If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, that can make you super hungry. Having some of your favorite snacks can be comforting. You’ll also be thirsty, so it is good to bring your own large water bottle that you can refill. My hospital only had small cups, so it helped a lot having my own.
Pillow & blanket- Not a necessity, but can help provide some comfort with something from your house. Hospital pillows and blankets aren’t anything special. Bringing my own pillow helped me sleep a lot better.
Baby Essentials
Announcement sign & outfit- Completely optional, but can be used to create a photo/video for you to always look back at, or use to send to family. We got our name signs from Etsy here (affiliate link- I earn commission), and our knotted gowns and name swaddles here for both babies.
Swaddles- If you want to use a specific swaddle with the baby, bring it! We just ended up using the hospital blanket. Once we were home, we ended up using the Halo Sleep Swaddle (affiliate link- I earn commission).
Extra outfit/onesie- Your hospital may provide some type of shirt or equivalent for the baby, but if you have a specific outfit idea, bring it with you! I took a pumpkin outfit since our second was born close to Halloween.
Going home outfit- This could be something special and cute for their time coming home. Always think about the weather and something that’ll be comfortable on their skin. I always made sure to have a Newborn size and a 0-3m size just incase, but both of my big daughters fit in Newborn.
Pacifier (if using one)- my hospital provided one but I wanted to bring a few different ones to try. We knew we wanted to use one with our kids if they would take one.
For Your Partner’s Hospital Bag
Your partner doesn’t need much when it comes to their hospital bag. A few changes of clothes, toiletries, snacks, entertainment, and a pillow/blanket if they want.
After we had our first baby and my husband had to sleep on that “awful” couch bed, he ended up bringing his hunting sleeping pad to sleep on. He said that was so much better than sleeping on the couch bed. It was fun to see all the nurses’ reactions when they would come in to the room.
Helpful Tip
Tip: Contact your hospital to see what they provide for you and your baby. Everyone is different, so bring what you think is best. Little touches of comfort can go a long way to help your hospital stay.
Resource
Grab my FREE C-Section Hospital Bag Checklist!
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please consult your physician.
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