Basically, you should expect to remain in hospital for at least three days after your C section. It is, therefore, best to ensure you carry everything you may need of the three or four days. It is advisable to pack everything you need well in advance to ensure you do not leave anything behind when rushing to the hospital. Ensure everything is packed by your eighth month. This is because you can go into labor any time after your eighth month. You should also take note of the things that you should not pack because they’ll cause inconvenience.

What to Pack for Hospital When Having a C-section

These are the items you will need to take with you to the hospital for your C section:

1. What You May Need When Waiting for Your C-section

Chances are you will be admitted in hospital a few hours before your C section’s scheduled time. While waiting for your C section, there are few things that can make the waiting less tedious.

• Magazines and books.
• CDs, mp3 player and CD player. You can keep yourself occupied by listening to your favorite music.
• Your birth plan. This will remind you of your preferences for your child’s birth. This can include the specifics you would prefer like music in the theatre room and whether you would like to witness the baby being born.

2. Licenses and Documents

A pictured ID, including your driving license or any other ID you may deem important. Insurance cards and any other documentation you may need for the hospital paperwork.

3. Phone and Contacts

You need to carry your cellphone as well as the charger. Also, carry a list of people you may want to contact while at the hospital. If you plan on using the hospital phone, ensure you carry a prepaid phone card.

4. Toiletries

It is important to pack a few toiletries for your personal hygiene. You should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, comb and brush, lotions as well as soap. While the hospital provides shampoo, lotion and soap, it is best to carry a few just in case.

5. Eyeglasses

This is very important if you need your glasses or contacts for proper vision. Eyeglasses are most ideal since contact lenses can be tedious while in hospital after a C-section.

6. Nightgown, Bathrobe, Socks and Slippers

While the hospital my provide socks and gowns, it is always advisable to carry your own. Choose loose garments for comfort and ease when nursing. These can come in handy especially when you want to move around the hospital.

7. Supportive Bras and Nursing Bras

Whether or not you are going to breastfeed your baby, you can expect to have swollen and tender breasts after the birth of your baby. This can happen a few days after delivering the baby. A good bra should be comfortable and should support your breasts.You can also include bra pads for absorption of the milk leaks.

8. Maternity Underpants

Some new mothers love the mesh underpants offered at the hospital while others are not really fond of them. You can always carry your own cotton underpants. Ensure that your underpants have a loose waistband to ensure there is minimal pressure on the abdomen. The hospital provides you with sanitary pads, which are a requirement after the C section. Ensure that you leave a larger supply of heavy duty sanitary pads at home.

9. Snacks

After surgery, you may be able to eat light meals. Hospital meals are ideal for these first meals, but you can always carry your own snacks. These snacks also come in handy when you feel hungry before hospital meal times. You can also have non-alcoholic champagne in case you get into a celebratory mood.

10. Newborn Care Handbook

While the hospital may provide you with a newborn caring handbook, it is always a good idea to carry your own. These can come in handy when it comes to handling new born babies.

11. Anything that Makes You Comfortable and Closer to Home

You can carry other personal effects like a pillow, your own music, reading material as well as a sleep mask. You can also carry family photos and any gifts you may have gotten for your baby from your older children, if any.

12. Journal, Notepad and a Pen or Pencil

These can be ideal to keep track of your baby’s sleeping and feeding sessions. You can also write down any questions you may need to ask the nurse to ensure you do not forget. You can also start a journal on your baby from time of birth to the time spent in hospital.

13. An Outfit to Go Home in

You need something comfortable and airy. Even after birth, your tummy still looks big and so wearing tight clothes might not be comfortable yet. Also, carry a pair of comfortable, preferably flat, shoes.

Things to Pack for the Father

The father can offer you moral and practical support before and during the birth of your baby. There are a few things that your partner can use to make it easier for him and you.

• Drinks and snacks. This can keep your partner energized before and during the birth of the baby.
• Camera phone or a digital camera. Your partner should be able to record videos and take photos of you before the birth and after the birth. This is a great way of capturing the early moments of your child’s birth and even the birth process.
• Your partner also needs a mobile phone to make important phone calls to inform your loved ones of the birth of your baby.

Things to Pack for the Baby

• At least 15 vests and sleepsuits. It might surprise you how many clothes a new born can use up.
• At least one dozen nappies for each day.
• A lot of muslin squares. These are used to clean up the milk your child may burp.
• Socks and booties; at least two pairs for each day.
• At least one hat for each day.
• A going home outfit.
• Snowsuits and jackets if you are having a winter baby.
• Baby blankets. Your baby may require a blanket for chilly nights or when leaving the hospital.
• A car seat for your baby. This is important for the safety of your baby.

What Not to Pack

• Jewelry.
• Too much money and valuables.
• Any medications you were using. If you need any medications, the hospital, under your doctor’s supervision will provide you with them.
• You don’t have to carry diapers as they are provided by the hospital.
• The hospital also provides breast pumps if you need them.

For more information about what to pack for your C section, you can watch the following video from a mom who has undergone two C-sections:

Also watch this video which offers you a simpler version of what you need for you c section and other practical advice: