Packing Your C-Section Hospital Bag? Here’s Every Item You Can’t Forget
As I gently lifted my belly, I found blisters had formed where the surgical tape had been removed.
I dug through my bag of toiletries, looking for something that might help. Neosporin maybe? Instead, I found perineal spray and laughed to myself.
I’d spent tons of time researching what to pack in my hospital bag, but everything was geared toward vaginal births. Unfortunately, my hospital bag wasn’t the right fit for my C-section delivery.
So what do you need for a C-section? (Hint: it isn’t Neosporin)
If you’re preparing for a c-section, I’m going to take the confusion out of packing for you. Plus, I have a bonus that will assure you don’t forget a thing.
First, Here’s What You Need to Know
Pack for a long stay
C-sections generally require at least a 48-hour stay in the hospital. If your baby needs monitoring or you aren’t stable, it can be longer. You both have to be discharged by your physicians in order to leave. (I was in the hospital for 6 days with my first baby and 4 with my 2nd.)
No Need for Entertainment
You won’t be waiting around before a C-section (like with vaginal delivery). You come in a few hours before your C-Section (if it’s scheduled). And afterward, you have a baby to care for.
You don’t need items that will get you through labor or occupy you before your baby is born.
Don’t worry about medication
The hospital will provide any medication you need. They don’t want you taking medication that they haven’t given you. If you need something, ask for it. You don’t need to bring it.
Pack moderately for Baby
The hospital generally provides most of the items you need to care for your baby. (Keep reading to find out what you do need to bring.) And the items you’ll need for breastfeeding.
Related: C-Section Postpartum Essential: Everything You Need to Heal
Everything You Need in Your C-Section Hospital Bag
Don’t Forget the Bag!
A great bag is so important when you have a C-section. I had a terrible overnight bag and wished I’d splurged on the Fawn Design Weekender Bag* sooner. The last thing you want to do after a C-section is spend extra time in an awkward position, digging through a bag.
If you don’t already have a diaper bag, my favorite is the Freshly Picked Diaper Bag for your baby’s items.
Items to Make You Comfortable**
- Makeup-removing wipes–in case you don’t feel like (or can’t) get out of bed to wash your face
- Chapstick
- Glasses/contacts (if you wear them)
- A phone charger
- Toiletries–shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, razor, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste (buy a travel kit so it can stay in your bag)
- Moisturizer for face & body
- Makeup (optional)
- Clothing options (see What to Wear After a C-Section for specific ideas or grab the Kindred Bravely Labor & Delivery Bundle)
- A Large water bottle (you need to drink A LOT of water)
- Slippers or non-slip socks
- Disposable underwear (2 pairs)
- Postpartum belly wrap (helps with walking)
Related: 10 C-Section Essentials That Will Help You Feel Prepared & 11 Proactive C-Section Recovery Essentials You Need to Know About
Popular Items You Don’t Need
- Perineal spray (as mentioned)
- AfterEase drops (you won’t feel cramping because of pain meds)
- A birth plan
- Luxury toilet paper
- A playlist
Note: Leave your wedding ring & other metal valuables in a safe place at home. You can’t wear any metal during your surgery. And you don’t need to worry about your ring getting lost.
Items for Baby/Breastfeeding
- The Car Seat!
- 1 or 2 outfits
- Swaddle Blankets
- Nursing pillow (leave this in the car until after baby is born)
- Nursing/pumping bra
- Mittens or a nail file
For Your Spouse
To keep your mind at ease, you may need to know that your spouse has what he needs. So throw these items in a separate bag for him.
- 2 changes of clothes
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Blankets & a pillow (in the car)
- Snacks (the hospital doesn’t feed him)
*The blankets and pillow can be left in the car. The hospital does provide them but sometimes they’re missing. Dad isn’t their top priority.
Related: The Best Gifts for C-Section Moms
So if you’re trying to pack your C-section hospital bag, this is what you need (and what you don’t). You don’t need a meditative playlist, a yoga ball, or a bottle of perineal spray. But you do need some extra loose clothes, a good hospital bag, and some mental preparation for getting in and coming out with your beautiful baby.
Before you go, I have a printable list for you. Use it while you’re packing your C-section hospital bag so you don’t forget a thing. As a bonus, you’ll also be added to the Librarian Mom community for support on your journey into motherhood. Because no mom should have to face motherhood alone.
