What To Pack For a C-Section

I can’t tell you how many blog posts and articles I read about packing for the hospital before Jack was born. I was so terrified I would forget something, so I actually started writing my list at around 23 weeks just so I could ensure I had everything I needed for both me and bubs. Of course, everything was up in the air until the last minute about whether I would need a C-section or not, and needing one meant a longer hospital stay.

I packed two bags, one for me and one for Jack. For me, I went with a weekender sized bag that was big enough to fit everything in (without still being too OTT). For baby, I just used his diaper bag which was a good enough size to fit all of his little bits in.

Today I wanted to share what I packed in my hospital bag vs what I actually used in the time I was in the hospital. I’ve highlighted everything in bold that I actually used, so you can see what are real essentials and what you should pack in your hospital bag if you are heading in for a cesarean section. If you want to read about my elective C-section experience, you can do so here.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A C-SECTION?

CLOTHES

• Light cotton robe
• Nightie
• Pajama bottoms
• Singlet top (button up)
• Full brief style underwear x5
• Maternity bras x2
• Warm socks x3
• Maternity leggings
• Tank top
• T-shirt
• Button down shirt
• Cardigan
• Light jumper
• Comfy drawstring pants
• Jandals
• Slippers (to be tossed afterwards!)

I well and truly over packed! For the first day I ended up wearing the hospital gown as I was too sore to try and get dressed. The second day after my shower, I changed into my maternity leggings and a t-shirt. I wore the leggings pretty much the whole time I was there as they were the most comfy thing, and for tops I just wore my t-shirt or tank top. The high waisted undies were a must as they didn’t rub on the c-section scar, as were the maternity bras for easy feeding. I wore my robe and slippers a lot. I packed jandals to wear in the showers but on the first day I couldn’t shower and on the second I was too sore to care about trying to get them out of my bag. The next shower I had was in a private bathroom in the second hospital so I didn’t bother as it was only us using the bathroom and it was cleaned every day.

MISCELLANEOUS

• iPad & Charger + Phone
• Maternity pads
• Breast pads
• Makeup removal wipes
• Hairbrush and hairties
• Shampoo (travel sized)
• Makeup bag with basics (concealer, mascara, lip balm, brow pencil, powder)
• Skincare basics – travel sized moisturiser, toothbrush etc.

While I took makeup with me, I didn’t bother with it at all. The same goes with my moisturiser, although the lip balm was an absolute must as my lips felt so dry! I also used my hair ties a lot so these are a must have, as well as my phone charger. I managed to leave this behind at the first hospital – seems it’s a pretty common occurrence! I was lucky that both the hospitals I stayed in supplied maternity pads, so I didn’t have to crack into my supply until I got home. It’s worth packing some though just in case! Since my milk didn’t come in until just before we went home, I didn’t need to use the breast pads either.

FOOD & DRINK

• Kiwifruit juice (to help with post-surgery pooping!)
• Dried apricots (same reason as above!)
• 2 x Electrolyte drinks (for rehydration if needed)
• 2 x chocolate bars (as a reward for afterwards!)
• Muesli bars to snack on
• Probiotics

Of course I ate all of my food (minus the probiotics – it was too early on to start with them). The chocolate was the first thing gone, and I actually ate it before they told me I could eat solids. Oops! 😅 The kiwifruit juice and apricots were great for helping with the dreaded post surgery poop, although I was also given gentle laxatives to help with this. The electrolyte drinks were probably the most valuable thing I packed (aside from the chocolate), as I was so thirsty and they helped to keep my fluids up.

WHAT’S IN BABY’S HOSPITAL BAG?

• 5 onesies (3x newborn and 2x 0-3 months)
• 3 bodysuits
• 1 cardigan
• 1 blanket
• 1 flanelette wrap
• 2 muslin wraps
• 2 bibs
• 1 hat
• 1 pair of booties
• 5 nappies (these are supplied by the hospital generally)
• Baby wipes
• Car seat

I actually found packing baby’s bag really hard as I had no clue what he would actually use. I’ve heard babies don’t really need a lot at the hospital as they are wrapped up most of the time, but I also didn’t want to be underprepared. In the end I ended up using the onesies, the bodysuits, one cardigan, one hat and one pair of booties. I also ended up using a couple of nappies in the hospital, however I found my hospital preferred us to use cloth ones while we were there so we made the most of it.  Our second hospital also provided some baby clothes during our stay, however at the first hospital he stayed wrapped up most of the time.

If you are trying to work out what to pack for your hospital stay, I hope this was somewhat helpful. All you really need is super comfy clothes, a couple of little outfits for baby, some very basic toiletries, and of course chocolate! While I had dreams of coming home in a cute outfit and applying my makeup everyday, the truth is that you are actually too tired and over it to care what you look like! If your stay is even shorter than mine, then you’ll likely use even less. Just think comfort and that’s all you need to pack!