While a healthy vaginal birth may only need a day or two in the hospital, a cesarean (C-section) delivery may necessitate a longer stay. Therefore, if you are scheduled for one, given below is a list of things to pack in a hospital bag for a C-section. Cesarean birth usually necessitates a few days of relaxation and a hospital stay after that, including a stay of at least one day before delivery and anywhere between four to five days after the delivery. For example, the Mount Sinai Hospital states an average of 2-4 days of hospital stay post-surgery (1). This post includes a comprehensive list of items to include in a hospital bag, as well as a checklist that you may download or print at your convenience.
Categorizing will help you pack effectively and correctly, without forgetting any essentials. A few key things to remember here are:
It is always possible that your baby may arrive unannounced and before time. Do pack your hospital bag for a Cesarean delivery in advance, preferably once you hit the third trimester.
It is best to have a separate bag for you and baby.
Your partner will most likely be staying over with you in the hospital, so packing a bag for him is also a good idea.
You will most likely not have too much storage space at the hospital. It is a good idea to keep a few things in your car or ready in a bag at home. Your partner can always go and get it when needed.
What To Pack In A Hospital Bag For C Section?
1. Everything you need for yourself
The American Pregnancy Association mentions a list of articles that may be useful during your hospital stay (2). With its help, we have compiled a detailed hospital bag checklist for c-sections you will need for yourself. Make sure you check and add or remove items as per your need and convenience. Your picture ID (drivers license, for instance).
All your documents and other paperwork you may need at the hospital for insurance.
All your medical record papers and files.
Your wallet with cash (also some change) and card.
A few sets of loose and comfortable pajama bottoms and loose shirts or shirts with buttons. You will be able to feed better if you wear clothes that have buttons. Alternatively, you can wear maternity clothes that enable you to feed your child. Bring along dark colored clothes to hide stains. Before the day of the surgery, you will be given hospital clothes to wear.
Change of undergarments (make sure the waistband does not hurt the incision area and is not too tight).
Nursing bras.
Nursing pads – you will most likely be leaking a lot in the first few days.
Nursing cover – it will help you nurse your baby in case you need to do so in front of others.
Sanitary pads – you may need to wear a special one that needs to be used after a C-section surgery. Ask your doctor about it beforehand.
Socks and comfortable footwear.
Towel – for a shower at the hospital.
An outfit for the time when you will take the baby home.
Toiletries – toothbrush and toothpaste, comb, hair ties, chapstick or lip balm, some gentle body lotion, deodorant, a body wash, shampoo, moisturizer for your face, and some basic makeup that will help cheer you up a little while you are at the hospital. The University of Washington Medical Center asks you not to shave around the surgical area before the c-section to prevent infections, so you need not carry a hair-removal kit (3).
Pillow and pillow case – in case you are the kind of person who cannot sleep on any pillow, it is a good idea to carry your pillow.
Cell phone, charger, and headphone.
A light book – you may get bored during the time you spend before surgery.
If you have other kids – pack a few welcome gifts for them too. With all the attention on the new member, your kids may feel a little left out. Hand them a gift when they come to visit their new sibling.
An album of family photos – your kids will be pleased with the visitors when they pay attention to their pictures as well.
A camera or video camera to capture the best moments in the hospital.
Breast pump – in case there are any issues with feeding. Most hospitals provide this, but carry one to be on the safe side.
Breast or nipple cream – you may experience dryness and cracking in the first few days. Applying cream will help.
Eye-glasses – you will not be able to handle contact lenses in a hospital bed.
Bathroom robes.
An outfit to wear to go home.
Bring some music along – it will help you overlook the pain at the time of healing.
Tablet computer (or laptop) and charger – it will keep you entertained.
Mobile phones and charger – it will help you stay connected with your near and dear ones.
Get activity books or kits for your older children so that you can keep them busy if they have to spend long hours at the hospital.
Fiber-rich snacks – it helps prevent constipation.
Have loads of mouth-fresheners – they will help you alleviate the sick feeling.
Eye mask – will help you relax while your partner or visitors want to use the lights.
Ear plugs – to ward off the noise.
Fun magazines – you wouldn’t be able to read a book, but flipping through the pages of a magazine is what you could do.
Baby care handbooks – it might be a good idea to keep this with you, even while your nurse and medical practitioners help you.
2. Everything you need for your partner
Your partner will be running in and out of your room, but he will be spending all or most of his time at the hospital. Pack wisely:
Your partner’s wallet and identification papers.
Change for vending machines
Your partner’s phone, charger, and headphone.
Toothbrush and toothpaste.
A comfortable pair of clothes.
Socks and comfortable footwear.
Blanket – your partner may be waiting for you in the waiting area or sleep on the couch. He will surely need an extra blanket to be comfortable.
Pillow – to help him rest and be fresh and ready to take care of you and baby!
Mobile phone and charger – ask him to carry his cell phone and the charger along.
Keys – make sure your husband carries his house and car keys!
3. Everything you need for your baby
Some hospitals provide baby clothes for the first few days while many do not. Also, most hospitals ask you not to use any products on your baby for the first few days after surgery. Here are a few things you should pack and keep ready:
Onesies with socks at the end.
Receiving blanket – you will need to swaddle the baby. Even if the hospital provides this for your baby, carrying your own will be helpful to keep your baby warm.
Baby cap – it helps the baby feel warm. It takes him time to adjust to the external environment.
Baby mittens.
Baby nail clippers.
Infant diapers.
Bibs
Snowsuits and jackets – if it is wintery and snowy.
Baby moisturizer – after the nurse helps give the baby a bath, you could apply baby moisturizer to prevent chafing.
Infant feeding bottle – this will help if the baby faces any latching problems.
A cute outfit that the baby will wear on the day they go home.
Infant car seat – that needs to be fitted before you reach the hospital.
Check with your doctor about any specific hospital rules and regulations to know what you can and cannot take. But the following are a no-no to be carried to any hospital:
Jewelry
Too much cash
Valuables
If you are carrying electronic equipment, make sure they have a place to store them at the hospital or your partner takes full charge of such stuff.
