What to pack in your hospital bag for a planned c-section

Having a planned C-section?

One of the best things about having a planned c-section birth is knowing exactly when your new baby will arrive. This is such an exciting time, and once you have been told the date of your planned c-section, you can get to work on your preparations ready for the big day.

Packing your c-section hospital bag in advance is one of the best ways to feel organised and prepared for your new baby’s arrival. But while you may have already packed all your new baby’s essentials, such as nappies and vests, you may be less sure what to pack in your c-section hospital bag for yourself.

To make your preparations easier, we have put together this handy list of what you need to pack in your hospital bag for c-sections, to make sure you have everything you may need.

C-section Hospital Bag Checklist

These are the items you should include in the hospital bag for yourself:

1. Mobile phone

Your mobile phone is an essential item to add to your c-section hospital bag list. Your phone will come in very handy for staying in touch with friends and family and will also allow you to listen to music while in the hospital.

2. Phone charger

As you will probably be in the hospital for at least a few days, you will also need to pop your phone charger into your bag to ensure that you can contact friends and family during your stay.

3. Hairbands

Keeping your hair tied back and out of the way is a good idea when you head down to theatre for your c-section. These black hairbands opens in a new window are metal-free, so they are super comfortable for popping your hair in a ponytail or high bun while you are in the hospital.

4. Going home outfit

Don’t forget to pack loose, comfortable clothing in your hospital bag to wear as your going-home outfit. Sticking with soft fabrics that are loose-fitting is a great way to avoid material rubbing against your c-section wound.

5. Lip balm

Some women experience dry skin and lips during and after pregnancy. To ensure that you are prepared for this, it is a good idea to pack some lip balm in your hospital bag to keep chapped lips at bay. This twin-pack of Burt’s Bees Lip Balmsopens in a new window will help to keep lips hydrated all day and is made from 100% natural ingredients.

6. Non-slip socks

While you have probably already packed some socks in your hospital bag, adding some non-slip socks is also a good idea. These non-slip socksopens in a new window are breathable and have rubber dots on the bottom to help prevent slips and falls while you are in the hospital.

7. Snacks

Obviously, you won’t be able to eat for a while before your c-section, so when your baby is born and you are taken to the maternity ward you may be feeling super hungry. Stocking up on some snacks and keeping them in your hospital bag will ensure you have something easy to eat when you need it. High fibre snacks are very important, as the gut can be a little sluggish post c-section, so anything that would encourage the bowel is great e.g. dried fruit. 

8. Books and magazines

Bringing a supply of books or magazines will keep you occupied while you are waiting to go down to theatre and have your baby. As you will be staying in the hospital for a few days, there may also be times when your baby is asleep, and you have nothing else to do. Bringing along a book or some magazines is a great way to pass the time while you rest and recover.

9. Hairbrush

You may not have too much time (or inclination!) to style your hair while you are in the hospital, but of course, you will need to brush it to prevent it from becoming tangled.

This pain-free detangling brushopens in a new window will keep your hair free from knots without pulling the hair or causing split ends. The hairbrush is lightweight and has an ergonomic design, which will help to minimise discomfort when brushing your hair following your c-section.

10. Toiletries and wash bag

Getting your wash bag packed and ready in advance of your c-section is a must to ensure you don’t forget any essential items. Popping a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and cleanser into your wash bag will ensure you don’t forget them.

11. Makeup

If you plan to wear makeup during your hospital stay, getting it ready and packed in a separate makeup bag is a good idea. Packing your makeup carefully is a must to ensure that nothing spills onto the rest of the stuff in your hospital bag.

12. Nursing bras

Adding a few nursing bras to your hospital bag will ensure that you have enough to wear while you recover in hospital. This 3-pack of seamless nursing brasopens in a new window should see you through your hospital stay. The one-hand access on the cups makes it easy to feed discreetly while the soft material will keep you comfortable.

13. Big knickers

Packing plenty of pairs of big knickers in your hospital bag is essential. After your c-section, you will need pants that will come up over your waist to cover your c-section wound. This pack of six pairs of full briefsopens in a new window is ideal as they are made from soft 100% cotton to keep you comfortable and have a gentle elasticated waistband.

14. Nursing/breast pads

Another essential item for your c-section hospital bag is a pack of breast pads. Breast pads will help to prevent leakage through your nursing bra and ensure that moisture is drawn away from your skin.

This pack of 240 disposable breast padsopens in a new window will be more than enough to last you through your time in hospital.

15. Maternity pads

Maternity pads are not just for vaginal deliveries and are a must-have item to pack in your c-section hospital bag. Bringing along enough pads to last you around two to four days, such as this two-pack of 14 maternity padsopens in a new window should be enough until you are discharged from hospital.

16. Breastfeeding pillow

Sitting in the right position can make all the difference when you are breastfeeding, and is essential to help prevent discomfort. Bringing along a breastfeeding pillowopens in a new window will provide you with extra support in those first days of breastfeeding and beyond.

17. Extra pillows

After your caesarean, you will want to keep yourself as comfortable possible. Bringing along extra pillows, such as this body support pillowopens in a new window , will help you to stay propped up and supported during your recovery.

18. Towel

Another essential item to add to your c-section hospital bag checklist is a towel. As you will be feeling a little sore following your c-section, choosing a large, soft towel will help to make it easier for you to dry yourself. This pack of Egyptian cotton bath sheetsopens in a new window fits the bill perfectly.

19. Slip-on shoes

Bending down to tie shoelaces is certainly not advisable when you are recovering from a c-section, so it is important to plan ahead and pack shoes that you can simply slip on. Slipping your feet into a pair of slidersopens in a new window is a much more convenient option and will make life easier for yourself during your hospital stay.

20. Nightgown

Pyjamas will be a no-go immediately after your c-section, as you will have a catheter fitted for up to 12 hours following the operation. Because of the catheter, you will need to wear a comfortable nightdress for at least the first day after the c-section.

So, packing a couple of nightgowns in your hospital bag is a must. This nursing nightshirtopens in a new window is made from 100% cotton and has buttons on the chest to allow easy access for feeding.

21. Dressing gown

Popping a lightweight dressing gown in your hospital bag will enable you to comfortably enjoy skin-to-skin contact with your baby without getting cold and is also useful for trips to the bathroom during your stay.

This super soft robe and nightie setopens in a new window is made from jersey fabric and will get plenty of use both in hospital and for night feeds at home.

22. Shower shoes

If you would rather not walk into the shower at the hospital with bare feet, then a pair of shower shoes is an essential addition to your hospital bag.

23. Wipes

You won’t be able to shower right away after your c-section, so as well as bringing wipes for your baby, you may also want to pack some wipes for yourself. These unscented wipesopens in a new window are ideal for both you and baby, so if you want to freshen up, popping these into your hospital bag is a great idea.

24. Bendy straws or water bottle with straw

Staying hydrated after you have had your c-section is essential, so making it as easy as possible to drink plenty of water is a must. Bringing some bendy straws into the hospital or using a water bottle with a straw like this oneopens in a new window will make staying hydrated simple.

25. Nipple cream

Cracked nipples and sore skin can make breastfeeding painful, but popping some nipple cream into your hospital bag will help to prevent this. Choosing a nipple creamopens in a new window that is 100% natural and hypoallergenic is a great way to ease any discomfort.

26. Wrap or blanket

Packing your own blanket, shawl, or wrap in the bag will ensure that you keep yourself at a comfortable temperature while you are in the hospital. This super soft flannel fleeceopens in a new window is ideal for your hospital bed and also perfect for popping on the sofa when you are at home.

27. Cash

Bringing a small amount of cash into the maternity hospital is a good idea to ensure that you have some change for the vending machine during your stay.

28. Copies of your birth plan

Remembering to bring your birth plan along to the hospital is essential to ensure that you get the type of birthing experience that you hope for. Popping a copy of your birth plan into your hospital bag in advance will mean that you won’t forget it closer to the time.

29. Camera

Capturing those precious first moments when your baby is born is a must, and having your camera with you will make this much easier. A good quality camera will get lots of use over the years, from your baby’s birth in the hospital and beyond.

30. Breast pump

Many mums choose to use breast pumps to express their milk for their babies. If you plan to express, investing in a breast pumpopens in a new window before your baby arrives is a great idea, as you will then have it with you ready to use if needed in hospital.

Looking for more information on what to pack in your hospital bag?

Check out our handy hospital bag checklist here

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