Packing Your Hospital Bag (C-Section Edition)

Well folks, its about that TIME! Time to lose that big beautiful bump and meet our second little boy! Super pumped to have my body back to myself, see my feet again, and become a family of four. Tomorrow is my scheduled C-section and being an extreme-over-preparer I figured it would be helpful to share my hospital packing strategy! This is my second C-section so I feel confident in what I DO and DON'T need this time around. I am not a big fan of clutter or unnecessary 'stuff', but being that it's a C-section we will be in the hospital 3-4 days. My goal is to have everything I might actually NEED. Organized, washed, packed in the car, and ready to GO. The better prepared - the less stress right?!

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1. Toiletries

This category is different for everyone, so I would pack the things you use EVERY DAY, without fail. Those necessities are probably the only toiletries you'll actually USE (considering you will barely be able to walk to the bathroom, let alone stand in there and get fancy). ;)

Travel Sized Shampoo
Skincare 
Travel Sized Conditioner
​Travel Sized Lotion
Deodorant (for her) (for him)
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Hairbrush
Hairties
​Headband

2. Essentials/ Medicine

The lozenges and mints are a life-saver for me because I lose my voice. I have no idea why... but C-section = no voice for Stefanie. Not sure if this is only my problem, but just in case it's a 'thing', I included it for ya. You're welcome. And of course, all the vitamins, prescriptions, etc. are a must. Note: all vitamins, prescriptions and other items in this category should be reviewed by your doctor.

Halls Throat Lozenges
Mints / Gum
Prenatal Vitamins (I swear by this brand)
Low Dose Aspirin
EHT Mind Enhancement Formula
​Other Prescriptions

3. Makeup

Now, makeup is not a must in my opinion. I could go fresh-faced and rock it - but being that I'll be in the hospital 3-4 days and we will have lots visitors and pictures being taken, I MAY want to add a little color. So, just in case I am packing the essentials. 

Foundation
Blush
Blush Brush
Mascara
Eyelash Curler
Lipgloss
Chapstick

4. Da Boobs

Oh the boobs... These things I may not actually need, but JUST IN CASE I am packing them. Some hospitals don't provide breast pumps and if I find myself having production issues, I'll need mine. Of course with the C-section, having a nursing pillow handy helps. A LOT. Also, any nipple creams or gel packs are great. Sore nipples are expected in the first couple of weeks. 

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
Breast Pump with accessories (bottles, storage bags, etc)
Nursing Cover (if you are modest, if not... ROCK EM SISTA!)
Nursing Bra Pads
​Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve

5. Clothes for Mommy

I am ALLLLLLL about comfort here folks. Some of us find ourselves in those lovely hospital gowns for most of our stay just because it simply hurts too much to change! But when you are READY for 'people' clothes, you will want loose, dark, comfortable clothes post-op that don't sit on your incision site (ouch!). Remember, you will still want clothes that would fit a 6-7 month pregnant person. Your tummy will still be there for a while. Personally, I opt for maternity leggings. One of the last times you'll get to rock that glorious invention so take advantage! ;) If you are planning to nurse, remember to have low-cut/zipper or button up tops and nursing bras in your arsenal. 

Maternity Leggings (2-3 pair)
Low cut / nursing tank tops
2 Loose t-shirts
Warm Socks
Cheap shower flip-flops
Nursing Bras
Granny panties (unless you prefer the mesh undies the hospital provides which I actually do)
A zip up sweater (I packed one of daddys)
Shoes to go home in (with my swollen feet I am stuck with UGG type slip ons). 

All toiletries, essentials, makeup, and mommy clothes/shoes went into one oversized shoulder duffle. 

6. Clothes for Daddy

Lounge Pants
Lounge Shorts
Sleep shirt
3 Outfits (jeans, shorts & tees)
Sweater
Underwear
Shower sandals
Shoes/socks
​
I swear, men are so easy! :) 

7. Clothes for Baby

This is a fun bag to pack. Keep in mind your doctor's estimated size/weight of your baby when packing his/her going home outfits. And, we were left high and dry last time when we needed a pacifier and my hubby had to go out at 3AM and find a Walgreens! Pack some just in case! The hospital will provide diapers, shampoo, onsies, wipes, swaddles, and most everything else you'll need for baby. 

Swaddle (if you want your own, hospital does provide these)
Blanket
Socks
Zip up pajamas
Going home outfits (two in case you aren't sure the size of your new little person)
Beanie/ hat
Pacifiers (my hospital no longer provides these)
I also have a diaper / wipes in the baby bag for the drive home as we live about 30 mins from the hospital

All baby related items were packed in one diaper bag. We will probably leave this in the car until we are settled in our final recovery room. 

8. Snacks

Also optional, but we packed just a few snacks for between meals. Family will be bringing more but always good to have some rations. That cafeteria isn't always open ya know! 

9. Carseat / Other

​Obviously, the carseat isn't in your hospital bag, HAHA. (I kid, I kid....) but it does need to be properly installed in your car. Be sure you have it checked by a professional if it's your first kiddo. We also made sure to have a cover ready to go in case baby is asleep. 

Other: 
2 pillows (use bright colored pillow-cases so they don't get mixed up with the hospital's)
Extra blanket for dad to sleep with
Large Duffle or XL trash bag (to carry everything in/ out) 
Gift for big brother/sister (like this one)
Phones and chargers (one for each of us) 
Optional: Laptop / IPad / Camera (we will just use our phones)
Hand Sanitizer

Happy Packing Mama! Relax, prepare, and get some rest. You got this! 

xo,
Stefanie

DON'T FORGET TO PRINT YOUR FREE PRINTABLE PACKING LIST! 

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BE SURE TO PRINT YOUR FREE PRINTABLE PACKING LIST!