What Should You Pack In Your Hospital For A C-Section?

what should you pack in your hospital bag for a c-section
Image: iStock/comzeal

It’s hard to prepare for the birth of your baby, because there’s just so much that’s left up to chance! When you get close to your due date, you could go into labor at any time. That’s why it’s important to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go in the last month of your pregnancy. However, it’s definitely easier to plan when you know exactly when you’re having your baby. If you’ve scheduled a c-section, you can pack exactly what you’ll need. And you’ll definitely need a few things you probably wouldn’t with a vaginal birth. So what should you pack in your hospital bag for a c-section?

C-Section or vaginal birth, there are some essentials you’ll want to make sure are in your hospital bag.

You’ll want to pack the usual items: toothbrush, toiletries, camera, charges, and clothes for the baby. Make sure to pack your important papers as well, like your signed birth plan, a list of people for your support person to call after the baby is born, and your baby book for foot prints.

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It’s a good idea to pack two separate bags: one with items that you will need right before your c-section and immediately after, and one with your postpartum recovery/hospital stay stuff. With a c-section, you’ll be in three different rooms: the operating room, the recovery room, and finally, your actual hospital room. Rather than have your support person lug all your things from room to room, you can leave your postpartum recovery/hospital stay bag in the car until you’re settled in your room.

Preparing for a c-section is a bit different than preparing for a vaginal birth. What should you pack in your hospital bag for a c-section?

There are a few things you won’t want to be without after a c-section. Pack loose fitting nightgowns, rather than pants with a waistband, so you don’t have anything rubbing or pushing on your incision. Make sure to pack slippers, since it’ll be hard to bend down and put on socks afterward (a pair of slides to wear home is also a good idea!). A lot of c-sections mamas swear by Always Discreet underwear, and use them instead of the mesh panties provided by the hospital. They fit over your incision, and are quite comfortable.

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You’ll also want to bring your own breastfeeding pillow, to keep the baby off your stomach during nursing sessions. The pillow can also be helpful to hold against your tummy when you cough or sneeze! Finally, it couldn’t hurt to pack some snacks that are high in fiber, to keep things moving right along after your surgery. That first bowel movement after a c-section can be painful!

So what should you pack in your hospital bag for a c-section? A lot of what you’d pack for a vaginal birth, plus a few extra items to help keep you comfortable after your surgery.

(Image: iStock/comzeal)

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