Now that I am in the third trimester of my pregnancy, I am starting to pack up my hospital bag for my repeat c-section. I am a planner so I like to be prepared, even if I end up not using it any time soon. I will be prepared, unlike I was with my daughter’s birth. I got lots of comments and questions over on my Instagram about what I was going to pack in my C-section hospital bag. I decided to write up this post and also provide a C-section hospital bag list so you can be prepared too!
Table of Contents
When should I pack my c-section hospital bag?
Whenever you feel like you need to! Due to the experience, I had with my daughter, I have decided to pack it up earlier than most. I was completely taken off guard for my first hospitalization and had nothing packed! I was only 32 weeks so it wasn’t on my mind at all. I started gathering things to pack into my bag around 25 weeks and have slowly been adding. Now at 31 weeks, I have completely packed up my C-section hospital bag and am ready to go.
What supplies do I need after a c-section?
There are several different supplies you will need to help you recover after a C-section. Your incision will be really sore for a long time and you shouldn’t be lifting anything heavier than your baby for a few weeks. Some products listed below will help you with your postpartum recovery after a C-section.
What do I need for postpartum care after a c-section?
There are several different things you need to help you recover after a C-section. Your incision will be really sore for a long time and you shouldn’t be lifting anything heavier than your baby for a few weeks. Some products listed below will help you with your postpartum recovery after a c-section and not just for your c-section hospital bag.
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What should I put into my c-section hospital bag?
The following list is what I have decided to put into my own C-section hospital bag. Since I know for sure that no matter what, I will be having another c-section, it has made it easier to plan. Even if I don’t make it to my scheduled c-section date, once I either go into premature labor (again…but hopefully not!), develop preeclampsia again, or anything else that requires an earlier delivery I will be prepared with my c-section hospital bag!
A bag
I used a duffel bag-type suitcase I already had to pack in all of my things. I know some people like to buy new bags for the occasion, but I’m all about using what you already have. This bag is similar to the one I own.
Although, I did purchase packing cubes. Packing cubes are something I’ve always wanted to get to help make it easier when we go on trips to keep things organized. And they have been a great purchase to keep things in order.
Insurance cards, ID, etc
You’ll need to be sure to bring your ID, insurance cards, and any other documents needed for insurance or hospital purposes. I packed a folder with any documents I needed and I’ll be sure to throw in my wallet when we head out.
Robe/Labor Gown
Something I didn’t have but asked a friend to go home and get for me during my daughter’s birth was a robe. When it was time for me to be able to be wheeled chair over to the NICU, I was able to put on another hospital gown so my back wasn’t exposed. Once I got my robe from home, it was a night and day difference as far as comfort and not having to worry about my back being exposed. I recently bought a robe and labor dress set from Lila that I have loved wearing even now while I’m still pregnant. Such great quality. These are on the pricier end, but I believe they are worth it.
I don’t plan on wearing these before or during the c-section, but I am bringing them afterward. I remember when I was in the hospital I felt so gross wearing the same hospital gown and not any of my own clothes.
If you are looking for a robe that is lower in price, this one from Amazon is very similar to the Lila robe. As far as gowns, this one from Amazon is similar in functionality with the buttons.
Going home clothes for you
The best going-home clothes to pack in your c-section hospital bag are clothes that are still maternity/maternity friendly. If you decide to wear leggings or some sort of pants, choose ones that have a high waistband so it doesn’t bother your incision. I personally have chosen to pack my comfortable and stretchy maternity leggings and a baggy shirt.
Going home clothes for baby
You’ll need to pack some clothes to take your baby home in. I have also chosen to pack some clothes to take photos in as well (which is optional). I have chosen preemie size, newborn size, and 0-3 size clothes. I am expecting a smaller baby, but you never know the size your baby will actually be until they are born. My favorite coming-home clothes are zipper sleepers. The knotted gowns are cute (especially for photos!) but you’ll need to have their legs free so you can safely buckle them in their car seat for the drive home.
Clothes for partner
It’s important to bring some clothes for your partner to change into. For a c-section, you are in the hospital for about 3-4 days. This varies widely on if something happened during surgery or pregnancy/postpartum complications to cause you to stay longer (during my daughter’s I stayed in for almost a week!) and it’s nice for your partner to be able to have some clean clothes they can change into without having to leave the hospital. I’m hoping for a more “normal” experience so I will be packing enough clothes for 3 days.
Snacks
Depending on your hospital, they will feed your partner or have a place for snacks for them. One thing we learned after the first hospital stay I had with my daughter, was that it was important to have snacks on hand. We bought bulk boxes of different kinds of snacks at Sam’s Club including jerky, crackers, protein shakes, and fruit cups to pack into the bag.
It is also a good idea to pack some cash for the vending machine.
Chapstick
I think this one is so important it needs its own spot on the list. I found the hospital to be so dry that even though I was drinking enough water (and also being connected to fluids!) my lips were so dry. My favorite chapstick of all time is Burts Bees.
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, soap, etc)
Being able to brush your teeth help makes you feel more clean. I found packing a travel toothbrush and toothpaste the easiest so it isn’t accidentally forgotten about.
I personally don’t care/worry about putting on makeup while in the hospital. I know some women like to have a little bit on for pictures but it isn’t something I personally want to hassle with. However, I did make sure I packed my face wash and lotion to put on morning and night. As well as travel shampoo, conditioner, and soap for a shower.
I make sure to pack some hair ties, a brush, or any other hair accessories to keep my hair out of my way but not become a rats nest.
Breastfeeding Pillow
A breastfeeding pillow such as the Bobby is a good idea to bring. Not only for learning to feed either breast or bottle, but to help your other kids with holding the new sibling.
Breast Pump
I was completely taken off guard with my last and didn’t have a breast pump ordered when I was first hospitalized. This pregnancy I ordered it pretty early (barely out of my 1st trimester). Since my daughter went into the NICU straight from birth, my only choice of feeding was to attempt to pump from the very beginning. It would’ve been a lot more helpful if I was more familiar with a breast pump and I brought my own with me. For this reason, I plan on bringing my own in case of another NICU stay.
I did not pack the breast pump inside of my c-section hospital bag since it is large. Instead, I packed it into a reusable fabric bag we can either leave inside the car or bring in with us separately.
During this pregnancy, I ordered a Spectra breast pump because I have heard only good things about it. Later on, if I don’t have a low milk supply and things work out there, I plan to get a more wearable pump such as the 
Slip-on shoes
Sometime after the c-section, you’ll do a short walk to get moving. It’s helpful to have some easy slip-on shoes packed in your c-section hospital bag to wear both for these walks and also for leaving the hospital. I have some shoes similar to these adidas slide sandals that I packed to have both to walk around in and leave the hospital in.
Entertainment (book, iPad, laptop, etc)
Newborns are pretty boring. Especially the first few days when they’re still pretty sleepy. It is good to bring some entertainment options in your c-section hospital bag such as movies downloaded onto your phone/ipad. A laptop, a good book, and headphones.
Phone & Phone Charger
Important to bring a phone to be able to pass the time as well as take photos. Also, a way to contact friends/family about the birth. It’s a good idea to bring a phone charger that is long or even a portable battery since you don’t know how far an outlet will be from your hospital bed.
Nursing bra & breast pads
It’s a good idea to bring a nursing bra to least wear going home from the hospital in your c-section hospital bag. It can be helpful to pack in some breast pads as well to catch any leakage of milk you might get. My favorite nursing bra has been from Kindred Bravely.
Gift for big sister
This one is completely optional to pack into your c-section hospital bag, but I have chosen to buy a big sister book for my daughter. She will be 4.5 by the time baby is born which will make a huge life change for her (all of us too). I thought this book from Amazon was cute and I plan to pack it into my bag to give to her when she comes to the hospital after birth.
Video Camera
It may be kind of old school, but we still use a video camera for special occasions such as a birth! So this is something I packed into my c-section hospital bag to document some videos of the birth. We have a video that shows the incubator our daughter was in and what it looked like and it is so special to us to be able to show her what the NICU actually looked like.
Nipple cream
No matter how you choose to feed, your nipples can hurt and be sore in the hospital. Some hospitals will provide some to you, but I choose to bring my own and pack it into my c-section hospital bag.
Baby nail clippers/files
The hospital will not have anything to cut the baby’s nails. I found that sometimes they are long and can hurt when they scratch. This go around I am planning on packing some nail files into my c-section hospital bag to file down the nails.
Infant car seat
Although you will not fit this into your c-section hospital bag. You will not be able to leave the hospital if you do not have some sort of car seat for your new baby. My infant car seat with my oldest is still good to use and is not expired so I will be using that. The infant car seat I am using is this one.
Bag for dirty clothes
You don’t need anything fancy for this. A simple kitchen garbage bag works! You’ll just want something to separate your dirty clothes from any clean ones you hadn’t used yet in your c-section hospital bag. It also makes it easy to do laundry when you get home. Just need to pour the clothes from the bag into the washer.
Do you still need to pack a perri bottle in your c-section hospital bag?
If want to pack one in your c-section hospital bag, you can. The hospital will provide one for you and I found that was just fine. Even though your vaginal area might not be as sore as those who had a vaginal birth, you are still sore all over with a c-section. You’ll also be sore because of the catheter that is placed during your c-section.
Do you still need to pack pads in your c-section hospital bag?
You will still be bleeding vaginally, even with a c-section delivery. You do not need to pack your own pads in your c-section hospital bag since the hospital will provide those. If you did not like the way the hospital pads feel you are welcome to pack your own. I personally, don’t have an issue with those pads since the first few days you are in the hospital you are bleeding pretty heavily. Also, less I will have to pack! Often times the hospital will send you home with extras as well.
What do I need for postpartum care after a c-section?
There are several different things you need to help you recover after a C-section. Your incision will be really sore for a long time and you shouldn’t be lifting anything heavier than your baby for a few weeks. Some products listed above to put in your C-section hospital bag will help you with your postpartum recovery after a C-section. You will enjoy my post here about products after a c-section.
If you would like your FREE C-Section Delivery Bag Check List you can download it below.
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