In case you were not aware, April is c-section awareness month! As a mom of two c-section delivered babies I am passionate about sharing any insight I have to help other expecting moms get prepared for the big day and today I am sharing a comprehensive checklist to help with packing for a c-section delivery. And if you are not having a c-section, this list will work just as well for a vaginal delivery! You should be able to fit everything on this list in no more than 3 bags and without using a suitcase!
This complete hospital bag checklist includes everything you need to pack for mama, dad, baby, and even some optional/extra items! I am also sharing things you can leave behind and why! I have had two babies by c-section now and I learned from the first just what I REALLY needed compared to things that really weren’t necessary for the second time around 🙂
Let’s get you packed!
Weekend bag– You need a bag large enough for a few days worth of things so a weekend style bag works great. I prefer this style over packing a suitcase to take to the hospital and it will help ensure you do not over pack.
Robe– Ladies! This one is a must have in my opinion. So much more comfortable than being stuck in a hospital gown. For a c-section, you will be in the hospital a minimum of three days so you will want to be as comfortable as possible! This is also perfect if you are nursing for easy access.
Comfy socks- Hospitals are COLD. And you will be in the bed majority of the time recovering from surgery so you will want comfy socks over slippers.
Nipple Cream- Your nipples will be sore from baby learning how to latch. They will give you lanolin in the hospital but I prefer to have my own. I recommend the nipple balm from The Honest Company which you can learn more about in this post.
Stretchy going home outfit– Okay, so in case you haven’t heard. You bleed A LOT after having a baby and will be wearing rather large diaper sized pads for a while. You are going to want to be comfortable so pack a going home outfit that is stretchy and pants that won’t rub against your c-section incision.
Comfortable shoes- To wear home and again, comfort is key 🙂 Uggs, sneakers, or flip flops if it is warm all work great!
Flip flops- These are for when you finally get to get out of bed and walk around. Also to protect your feet in the shower.
Nipple pads- Just pack a few, not the whole box. You will want them just in case your milk comes in and you start leaking.
Water bottle- You will need to stay hydrated. The hospital will give you one of those plastic cups but I think it is nice to have your own.
Comfortable underwear- The hospital will have plenty of the disposable mesh undies (they are AWESOME for all the postpartum bleeding) for you to wear during your stay but you will want something a little more secure to wear for your trip going home.
Nursing bra- You may or may not chose to wear a bra during your hospital stay (I didn’t) but you will definitely want to have this for going home.
Pillow- The hospital has terribly uncomfortable pillows so do yourself a favor and bring your own.
Blanket- A little piece of home will make you feel better and will keep you warm in the cold hospital room. The blanket they provide is very thin.
Essential documents- Driver’s license and any other documentation you need like maternity leave numbers for your husband to report the babies birth,etc.
Diaper bag- You can easily fit the items baby will need in your diaper bag so bring it with you!
Car seat- You will not need this until discharge day so it’s okay if you left it during check in. Just make sure dad brings it back before you take baby home!
Car seat cover- I swear by car seat covers as they keep strangers from touching your newborn and also protects them from the environment.
Going home outfit- Be sure to pack what you want to take baby home from the hospital in.
Swaddle blanket- The hospital will have some but they are so small and not very soft so bring 1 or 2 of your preferred swaddle since those are the ones you will be using at home. Swaddling a baby doll like they show you in birth class is no comparison to swaddling a live newborn so make it easier on you and dad 🙂 The nurses are pros though and will help you as often as you need!
Mittens- Pack a pair so baby won’t scratch themselves.
Socks- To keep their feet warm when they are not swaddled.
Overnight bag- If dad’s items won’t fit in your weekend bag, a small overnight bag will be perfect for the few things he will need!
Pillow- He will be sleeping on a sofa so having his own pillow will make him a lot more comfy.
Blanket– Again, hospital bedding is thin and not good at all. He will be grateful to have his own blanket to keep him warm.
Snacks- Pack any specific snacks you guys like in dad’s bag. My hospital had great in-room food and snacks but I realize a lot of hospitals have terrible food and snacks so having your own will come in handy just in case!
Water bottle- So he can stay hydrated.
Sweats- Sweats are the perfect in hospital dad attire; cozy and comfy 🙂
Travel toiletries- Any specific items he likes along with a toothbrush.
Wallet- He will need his driver’s license and of course the funds in case you guys need to take care of any payments or he needs to run out for food etc.
Flip flops- For walking around in unless he prefers slippers or to keep on his outdoor shoes the entire time. Also, will protect his feet for the shower.
Shampoo and conditioner- When you are finally able to shower, you will likely want to wash your hair. You will feel like a new woman! Pack small sized bottles.
Chapstick- This is a personal preference for me because I hate dry lips but I think it is a useful item for any mom.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste- Goes without saying so just make sure you don’t forget to pack them 🙂
Moisturizer- It is important to moisturize daily and having this will help you feel a little more like yourself.
Travel size body wash and loufa- You won’t be able to shower until at least day 2 so you don’t need to bring large sized bottles.
Lotion- Goes without saying just like toothbrush and toothpaste- just making sure you don’t forget them.
Deodorant- Stay fresh!
Pack these items if they are important to you (personal preferences) or if you have the extra space in your bag!
Phone + Charger- Most people will want to have their phone in the hospital with them to call family and to take pics but some may prefer to keep the moment intimate which is why I have this as an extra/optional item. If you are bringing it you will want to make sure it stays charged!
Camera + Charger– If you aren’t using a baby birth photographer, make sure you pack your camera and charger for pictures!
Firestick or other streaming device- We brought your Firestick and it was a game changer! It made the 3 nights in the hospital feel more like home since we could watch our favorite shows and movies.
Glasses or contacts- If you wear contacts or glasses, don’t forget to pack them!
Books/magazines- If you or dad likes reading material, pack these!
Makeup- If you are a glam girl, don’t forget to pack a few makeup items.
Extension cord for phone charger- In most hospitals, the outlet is pretty far from the bed so having an extension cord will come in handy so you your phone can reach you!
Eye mask– If you are into these, it will help you sleep since hospital lighting is a bit harsh.
Ear plugs- If you are into these, they will tune out some of the noise since you are on a floor with a lot of new babies who may be crying a lot 🙂
Nursing pillow- Some mamas find it useful to bring their Boppy; I brought it with the first birth but left it behind for the second as for me personally, I found it just as easy to nurse with the abundance of hospital pillows since I wasn’t using them to sleep.
Hair iron and blow dryer- If you have the energy to do your hair the second day and want to look good for any photos, it can’t hurt to pack these items.
Daily undies and nursing bras- You will only need these if you just don’t like or want to wear the mesh undies the hospital will have for you. Personally, I prefer the mesh undies and just my robe while in the hospital and find no use for daily undies and bras.
Pads- The hospital will have TONS of these for you so take advantage of it. Your nurse will also pack so me up for you to take home with you!
Diapers/wipes- You will be provided these at the hospital (usually Pampers or Huggies) so unless you just want to bring your own, you are not going to need to pack these for the hospital.
Pacifier- The hospital provides these as well if you are going to give your child a paci.
Lots of baby clothes- Not necessary unless you insist 🙂 The hospital will have white onesies for you.
Breast pump- Not going need it and if you do, the hospital has a fancy hospital-grade one you can use.
Belly binder- The hospital will give you one so you can keep the one you plan to use postpartum at home.
What did I forget that you found useful during your hospital stay? Mamas, drop a comment and let me know!
