Packing for a Scheduled C-Section
Hello, friends!
Well, it's November which means the offical countdown for baby #2 begins! Today I’m giving you a quick overview of what I packed in my hospital bag for my planned c-section!
I am not an expert at this by any means (moms of 7 I’m looking at you!) but I do remember what items I wished I had for my first (unplanned) c-section and also the things I thought I would use but didn’t at all.
Every hospital and maternity stay is going to be different depending on what they provide for you as well as your own preferences on what you need to feel comfortable. Admittedly, I’m probably over-packing to some extent but I’m also one of those people who would rather be stuck with too much than too little. In order to make this helpful for both the light packers and over-packers, I’ll categorize this post into 2 sections: Essentials & Extra Comfort
Of course, everyone’s personal needs are different so feel free to mix and match the items in this list to make sure you have everything YOU need to feel comfortable during your hospital stay. If you want to see some of the exact items I purchased, shop links are available at the bottom of this post :)
1. ESSENTIALS
If hospital stays were like carry-on luggage for flights and I had to limit my baggage, here are the essential items I’d be bringing along!
(2) 10 FT. Phone USB Charging Cords & Wall Ports
One for me and one for hubby!
Nursing Bras and/or Nursing Camis
If you're planning on breastfeeding, make sure you have some of these packed to make feeding time as uncomplicated as possible
Slippers or Sandals
This was one of the "forgotten" items at my first birth. It's nice to have something comfortable and easy to slip in and out of when you have to go for mandatory walks (this is a big thing with c-sections).
A Fleece/ Light Sweater with Full Zip-Down and/or Robe
Hospitals are ALWAYS cold
At Least 2 Changes Of Comfortable Clothes Including Socks & High Waisted Underwear
You won’t want anything with a tight waistband that would rub against your c-section scar. Also remember to pack tops that make feeding easy, like button downs or cardigans. Darker toned clothing is best due to any postpartum bleeding.
Hairbrush, Comb & Ponytail Holders
You are required to wear your hair back under a hospital cap during a c-section so make sure you’re prepared to keep your hair out of your way!
Basic Makeup (Foundation, Blush, Eyebrow Pencil & Mascara)
This is a personal essential for me…maybe not everyone else. But after surgery you already look like the walking dead, so I like to add a little color to my face, haha.
Travel Bag of Body Wash/Face Wash/Shampoo, Toothpaste Toothbrush, etc.
This stuff is generally available at the hospital but I like to bring my own favorites.
Shower Cap
This was another item I forgot to bring last time and the hospital didn’t have it available. Very helpful if you want to shower down without going through the process of dealing with wet hair (I don’t remember my hospital having a hair dryer available either...)
2. EXTRA COMFORT
These are the items I may bring for my own personal comfort - even though I’d probably be fine without them.
Wireless Headphones
Snacks/Tea/Hot Chocolate
Sometimes a few treats in between hospital meals can really make or break a long day in bed.
Mesh Postpartum Short Underwear in Black
These are provided by the hospital in white but black ones are nicer IMO
Boppy (Nursing Pillow)
Some hospitals may provide this but mine did not so I had to use pillows to prop up the baby for feeding. The boppy makes things MUCH easier!
Phone Tripod
Due to COVID restrictions, my husband and I will not really have additional family members with us during and after the birth so if I want to get some candid family shots of the three of us without having to ask a nurse, I can use my phone tripod on a self timer.
A Book to Read
Anything important I missed? Let me know in the comments! (No, really like this is important. If I forgot something LET A GIRL KNOW hahaha)
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