As a veteran C-section mom, I wanted to share all the things I carry with me in my hospital bag. This will be my fourth C-section, and although the surgery was not fun at all, it helps to know what to expect. Being prepared makes spending 2-3 days in the hospital with your new baby the best experience ever.
Even if you don’t have a C-section, many of them are great for regular births too!
Comfortable robe
The comfy robe is definitely great for both types of births and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s all I wear during my hospital stay and makes it so easy to breastfeed and soften the skin. The hospital gowns are thin and awful and it makes you feel more human.
Plus, after a C-section, you won’t want to wear any tight clothes around your incision and the gown is nice and loose.
Essential oils and diffuser
Smells have the ability to change our mood and emotions. And no smelly hospital room will make us feel very relaxed. The simple scent of some soothing essential oils can instantly bring us peace and make us feel like we are somewhere other than a hospital bed.
There are a lot of affordable oil diffusers you can buy, and they are my favorite way to make my stay feel like home. And my forever favorite oil is lavender.
Extra long phone charger
You never know where or how far the outlets will be in your room, so make sure you have a nice long phone cord to keep your phone charged!
Lip pencil
I’m addicted to lipstick and I hate dry lips. And the stuffy air in the hospital room certainly doesn’t help. Especially after surgery when you are full of medication and are falling in and out of deep sleep with your mouth wide open.
Burt’s Bees is still the GOAT in my opinion.
Touch light
It’s the biggest blessing in the world when the nurses take your new baby to the nursery and let you get some sleep. But not so much when they come in the middle of the night, turn on the bright overhead lights and wake you from a deep slumber to eat.
Having a small touch light next to your bed that you can turn on instead is a game changer!
Portable speaker
Just like smells, music has a lot of power over us too. And our baby! There’s so much TV to watch during the day, and I’d love to be able to turn on some tunes while we enjoy all the newborn warmth. Portable speaker makes it easy to set the mood and listen to your favorite songs.
Anti-slip socks
Socks in general are essential for keeping your feet nice, warm and comfortable, but if you had a C-section, they should be non-slip. It’s painful enough those first few times you get out of bed and the last thing you want to do is slip, fall and reopen the incision.
Plus, as much as it hurts, the more you walk, the better, so wear those non-slip socks and hit the trails.
Comfortable blanket
If you’re like me and are always cold, you’ll want to bring a nice cozy blanket with you. I also experienced the worst chills as I couldn’t stop shivering after surgery and the blankets they give you are terrible. Do yourself a favor and get something that’s actually soft and makes you feel cozy and warm.
Organic nipple cream
If you’re planning to breastfeed, it’s an unpredictable journey that can start with a lot of failed attempts meaning intense pain and soreness. This nipple cream is a great natural option made with marshmallow root and calendula flower.
My water bottle
I love my Brumate juice and drink from it constantly throughout the day. The plastic cups and water bottles in the hospital are substandard and do not keep water cold at all. It is very important to stay hydrated after surgery, and bringing your own bottle makes it much easier.
Organic cotton pads
The hospital will supply you with pads, but you can never have too many, and if you prefer some non-toxic pads, these are a great option.
Mesh underwear
These mesh underwear are what the hospital offers you and IMO they are the best. They literally feel like you’re not wearing any underwear but still keeping the pad in place. I always try to steal as many things as I can before I leave, but there’s no harm in bringing your own supplies as well.
Comfortable nursing bra
I’ve honestly had maternity and nursing bras since I got Eloise over 8 years ago. There are definitely many great options out there but these are my favorite so far!
Disposable nursing pads
Breastfeeding = leaky nipples, and these disposable nursing pads are a lifesaver to keep you from soaking in your bra and shirt.
Toilet supplies
If you stay in the hospital for 3 nights, you will feel disgusting and dirty. Especially after major surgery. As much as I hate getting out of bed and showering after the procedure, I’m always so glad I did and feel refreshed once I’m back in bed.
Some of my favorite products to bring are Acure Face Wash, Carina Organics Shampoo and Conditioner, Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap, Primally Pure Deodorant and Everything Conditioner.
Electrolytes
Our whole family loves these electrolytes and I lived off of them during my pregnancy. They help me stay hydrated, taste great, and contain high-quality ingredients.
Loose clothing suitable for wearing at home
Coming home doesn’t have to be nice, it just has to be comfortable. The last thing you want is to wear tight clothing over your wound. Since I’m having a baby this summer, I’m planning to bring a simple, flowy dress that will allow my belly to breathe.
I hope this list is helpful if you are having a C-section or regular birth! If you are having a caesarean section, be kind to yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is a major surgery and we are expected to take care of our children immediately afterwards. Difficult. But you can do it <3
