Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section

Countless lists and guides exist for packing a hospital bag for moms who are expecting a vaginal delivery. However, moms who are having a scheduled c-section have their own unique needs. C-section moms can skip the items packed to sustain other moms through their long labors.

Instead, c-section moms need to focus on comfort and aftercare. After all, we have to spend much longer in the hospital than other moms. The following items are essential to a comfortable stay in the hospital after your c-section.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: Lip Balm

Lip balm is essential for both your c-section and the days following. You will find that the hospital is very dry and your lips will chap easily. Keep them feeling soft and smooth with your favorite lip balm. I use Carmex lip balm, which you can buy at amazon.com.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: A Bath Robe

You will be up and around the day after your c-section, or maybe even that same day. For your trips down to the nursery or walking the halls, you will want to pack a robe. Bath & Body Works has the softest, comfiest robe I have been able to find. They call it “The Sweetest, Softest Robe on Earth,” and I think it truly is. Bath & Body Works sells “The Sweetest, Softest Robe on Earth” for $39.50, and it is available in several colors including soft pink, perfect pink, and perfect lavender.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: Slippers

Whether you are walking around your room or in the hallways, you will need a comfortable pair of slippers. Land’s End carries some fleece clog slippers for $19.50 that are easy to get on and off and are very comfortable.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: Gowns or Pajamas

Hospital gowns are fine for before and just after your surgery, but you might want something more comfortable when you are able to get up and around. Whether you prefer gowns or pajama sets, Motherhood Maternity carries both for nursing mothers from between $20 and $40. When a baby is born by c-section, they often will continue to spit up amniotic fluid for a day or two. Make sure to buy enough sets so that if your little one spits up or they become soiled that you will have a fresh set on hand.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: Your Favorite Pillow

Getting sleep as a new mom is hard enough, but when you are trying to sleep after major surgery it is even harder. Taking my own pillow added a measure of comfort from home. The pillow also helped make breast feeding easier because I could use it to support either my back or the baby.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: Bath Products

My first shower after both of my c-sections was absolute heaven. Take your own toiletries with you to personalize your experience. I recommend something that will be mild on your incision and that has a light fragrance that will not clash with the hospital scents. Aveeno has a line called Active Naturals that I found soothing and gentle.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: Towels

After your shower, you will want to dry off with your own towels. The hospital will likely provide you with towels, but if they are anything like the ones I had to use they will be thin and worn. Bring something luxurious that you want to wrap yourself in and that will be nice and warm. JCPenney has some great, affordable bath towels in its Chris Madden line that are large, soft and absorbent.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: Reading Material

Take some reading material with you, but nothing too heavy or involving. You will find that you have constant interruptions from doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, and visitors during your time in the hospital. Find something that will entertain you and relax you that you can pick up and put down easily, like your favorite magazine. I took my O, The Oprah Magazine.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: Underwear

After your c-section, you will likely have a wound at or just below your bikini line. Bring some comfortable cotton underwear that will not irritate the skin around your c-section. I recommend buying them a size or two larger than your pre-pregnancy size because you will have a post-baby and post-surgery tummy to deal with.

Guide to Packing a Hospital Bag for Your Scheduled C-Section: A Going Home Outfit for You and Baby

When you and your baby are ready to finally head home, you will both need a comfortable going home outfit. Pack something comfortable for yourself that you might have worn during your fifth or sixth month of pregnancy, like yoga pants and a tee-shirt. Your baby will also want to wear something comfortable and easy to get on and off for his first trip in his car seat and outside into the real world.