What to pack in your caesarean hospital bag

There’s no shortage of lists for what to pack in your hospital bag when you’re having a baby (including this one), but what if you’re having a caesarean section? 

Whether planned or unplanned, there will be a few extra things that will make life easier for you after having a caesarean. 

C-section hospital bag checklist

• Paperwork: For a planned caesarean, you’ve most likely got all of your paperwork sorted. Just don’t forget your Medicare card.
• Entertainment: If you’re having a planned caesarean, there might be a bit of waiting around before you go in for surgery. It can help to bring something to keep yourself occupied, like a magazine. Or you could have some relaxing music or a podcast ready to calm those nerves. 
• Phone and charger: Don’t forget to make sure your phone is fully charged so a midwife can take photos for you. 
• Glasses: You can’t wear contact lenses while you’re having surgery, so bring your glasses!
• Comfortable clothes: A caesarean is major surgery and you will be uncomfortable for a few days. Make sure you pack a nightie with buttons or some oversized pajama pants or tracksuit – just make sure they don’t rest on your scar. A dressing gown and slippers are always nice too for walking around the hospital. 
• High-waisted undies: Again, you don’t want anything resting on your scar. Pack some cotton high-waist undies (black is a good idea), so you are nice and comfy post-birth. 
• Maternity pads: Even though you’re having a caesarean, you will still bleed that same as though you had a vaginal birth.  
• Peppermint tea: You might find yourself bloated and uncomfortable after your surgery, so some peppermint tea can help to relieve some of those symptoms. Packing something to help with your first poop after birth is also a great idea!
• Face wipes: You’re going to be sore for a few days and might not feel like making your way to the shower. Packing some face wipes or a washer to keep your face and hands clean will make all the difference. 
• Dry shampoo and brush: If you can’t wash your hair, some dry shampoo will help keep your locks feeling clean until you’re feeling up to washing your hair.
• Snacks: Depending on how you are feeling, you might be in hospital for a few days. This means packing snacks and lots of them. 
• Newborn nappies: You will be surprised how many of these you go through in the first few weeks! Not all hospitals supply nappies and if they do, it might only be a couple. So pack some just to make sure. 
• Breast pump: For some mums, it can take a few days for their milk to come in after a caesarian. If you have a hospital-grade breast pump, pack it! However, this isn’t essential and the hospital should be able to provide you with one until your milk comes in. 
• Going home clothes: Comfy going home clothes for both you and your baby! 

Once you have everything you need packed and ready to go, all that’s left to do is wait for your little bubba!