As your big day approaches you are probably trying to figure out what to pack for your planned c section. You need to get your hospital bag packed and ready just in case you need to go sooner than planned.
You might like this article on Signs That Your Labor Has Started| What You Need to Know
No worries momma I have you covered! I too am packing my bags for my third c section and searched high and low for a list to print but haven’t found one that I can use so I made one.
If you are like me you need a list you can check off so you don’t worry about forgetting things. I have that list below just for you!
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Everything you need to pack for planned c section
Having a planned c section is kind of nice because you know what day you will have your baby unless of course, your sweet little one decides to come early.
You want to start packing early in your third trimester so that you don’t have to worry if you should go into labor a bit early, everything you need is all ready to go.
Here is a list of items you will want to have at the hospital so that you can be more comfortable and also the things you need as far as insurance and paperwork.
What to pack for yourself
Here is a list of things to pack for yourself, these will help make your time at the hospital more comfortable and go smoother.
Birth Plan & Insurance Cards
Make sure that you make a birth plan even for a scheduled c section, the reason why I say this is because you still have things that you want to have happen a certain way and you need everyone involved to be on the same page.
If you need help writing a birth plan here is a free template below that works for both c section and vaginal birth that you can use.
Don’t forget to bring your insurance card and I.D for checking in at the hospital.
You will also want to bring your debit card and a little cash with you for anything you might have forgotten and for some snacks or meals while you are there.
Pillows
You may want to bring your own pillow from home as the hospital ones are a bit hard and poofy to sleep on and having something familiar will help you get better sleep and be more comfortable.
You will also want a small pillow to place over your incision for extra support especially if you cough or laugh believe me it will hurt a lot without one.
If you don’t have a small pillow you can buy one from Target or Walmart even amazon for a decent price.
This one doubles as a toddler pillow which I like because it can be used for a long time and I don’t like wasting money on things I will only use once.
Laptop or Tablet
With a scheduled c section you have to be at the hospital two hours beforehand to check-in and get prepped and you will have some downtime. Make sure to have your phone with you and maybe earbuds so that you can relax for a few before it starts.
I recommend that you bring a laptop or tablet to watch movies or surf the web to keep your mind calm and relaxed when all the excitement has died down and you need a break.
Staying in the hospital for two to five days gets super boring and you might want to watch some movies and have something to do for entertainment during the downtime.
Phone Charger
This is a must-have item that you don’t want to forget, you will probably use your phone a lot while you are at the hospital and will need to charge it at some point during your stay.
If you can, buy an extra phone charger just to keep in your bag so that you don’t forget one.
Robe or nursing gown
These are great robes for nursing and looking cute at the same time, you will want one if you stroll down the hallway or have visitors.
It beats wearing a hospital gown the whole time and you will look fresh and super cute in this even if you don’t feel that way!
Check out these nursing gowns as well, they are super soft and comfortable and come in a bunch of different colors. Perfect for your hospital stay!
Slippers & Flipflops
Bending over to put on shoes is not going to be something you want to do for a while, that is why I recommend bringing slippers for easy on and off without the fuss.
You won’t want to walk around the hospital without them because the floors aren’t the best to walk on in bare feet or socks ( can you tell I am a bit of a germaphobe) and you don’t want to risk a fall.
Bring a comfy rubber pair of flipflops to take a shower in as well and this will protect you from slips and things you might get from the bathroom floor.
Toiletries
Here is a list of toiletries to bring with you, feel free to add more things to the list if you have some things you really like to have with you at all times.
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- comb
- hair ties
- dry shampoo – for when you don’t feel like washing your hair.
- shampoo and conditioner in one
- soap or body wash
- shaver – you might not be up to shaving your legs but at least do your armpits.
- cleansing face wipes
- makeup – so that you can feel more like yourself, even just the basics.
- a mirror – if you don’t want to get out of bed to do your makeup.
You will want to bring always discreet boutique underwear even just a few pairs to last you the days you are there.
These are less bulky than the mesh underwear and massive pads they give you at the hospital and you won’t feel so wet and yucky wearing them.
I would buy a few of these to get you through a couple of weeks during the heaviest bleeding!
Yes you will bleed a lot for the first few weeks, for more on postpartum bleeding you might want to read this article Bleeding After Childbirth | What You Should Know
Breast Pump & Essentials
If you plan on breastfeeding you will want to bring your pump so you can start using it within the first few hours or days to build up your milk supply.
You will also want to bring along these items:
- Boppy Pillow – makes it easier to hold your baby and nurse.
- Nipple Shields – these are a lifesaver for sore nipples and trust me they will get sore.
- Nipple Cream – I like the earth mama brand of nipple butter, it works really well and it’s organic.
- Nursing Pads – My favorite are Bamboobies and they are way more comfortable and discreet than other pads I have used. You can get disposable and washable ones to fit your needs.
- Nursing Bras – You will want to bring a couple of these with you, I like these Foraco nursing bras, they provide good support without the wires and you won’t be uncomfortable.
- Lactation Tea – to help boost your milk supply.
- Cooling Gel Pads – help soothe sore breasts and these ones can be warmed up or cooled.
laxatives
This is something not widely talked about but after having a c section and your organs moved around it will be really hard to have a bowel movement.
Get a good laxative and start taking it right away especially when taking the pain meds they give you because they cause constipation as well.
I recommend Senokot-S because it is plant based, gentle and works really well.
Gas X
After having a c section you will have a lot of trapped gas inside of you that will cause pain and discomfort.
Take some Gas X as soon as you can to help get rid of the gas and make you feel better sooner.
It’s not worth the pain of gas plus uterus cramps and nipple pain all together so make sure you don’t forget this.
Comfortable Clothes
Bring along some comfortable clothes to wear either during your hospital stay or for the trip home.
Look for loose fitting pants like lounge pants or maternity pants or even a dress if the weather is nice out.
If you don’t want to wear always discreet underwear look for something with a high waistline or get UpSpring C Panty Underwear, I had these and loved how they gave me support and have silicone to help your scar heal faster.
Wearing a button down shirt or nursing top will help with breastfeeding with easy access if you wish to do so.
Postpartum support belt
I cannot stress enough how important this one is, especially following a c section.
You need to get one of these to help hold your abdominal muscles in place and speed up healing.
You will want to wear one for the added support it gives and all of the benefits that come with wearing one.
For more on postpartum support belts you may want to read this article: Do Postpartum Belly Bands Work | Do You Need One After Pregnancy
This is the one I highly recommend that you get because of how comfortable it is and the way it helps you heal faster.
What to pack for dad
Here is a list of things to pack for your significant other or husband so that he won’t forget things and not be comfortable at the hospital.
I forgot some of these the last time and my husband was so uncomfortable, I wish I would have packed these!!
- Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shaver, shaving cream, shampoo, towel, and soap.
- 2 or 3 Shirts
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pants
- Pajama Pants
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Phone Charger
- Money for snacks and food
- Debit Card
What to pack for baby
You don’t need to take a lot for your new baby but you will want a few things for going home and pictures.
Here is a list of what to pack for your baby: I would put these in a diaper bag so that you have extra room for the things they give you at the hospital.
- Swaddle Blanket
- Outfit for going home
- Outfit for pictures
- Pacifier – if you want to use one.
- Burp Cloths
- Warm Coat or Carseat Cover – depending on the season
- Carseat
The hospital provides a lot of things like formula, hats, gloves, wrap shirts, diapers, and wipes.
I recommend taking everything they provide home ( such as what is listed above, please don’t steal things you know aren’t yours) with you because you paid for it with your insurance so take advantage.
Final Thoughts on what to pack for a planned c section
Before your procedure, you will want to have your stuff in the car until you get settled into a room after everything is done.
Try not to overpack, I know it is hard and you want to bring everything but you also don’t want to have to much stuff with you. It will make it harder to pack up when it is time to leave.
Make sure to print the lists and check things off as you get them packed, keep the list with your stuff if you didn’t pack a few last minute items so that you don’t forget them.
Once you have everything ready to go you will feel a little more prepared for having your baby. You got this momma!!
Congratulations on your upcoming birth of your new baby, it is exciting and the start to a new adventure in life.
If I forgot anything be sure to comment so that I can add it to the list.
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