helpful packing list for c-section stays

For Yourself

Listed below are some things concerning you that you will need to carry with you post C-section stay. As mentioned, you may want to check with the hospital and leave behind the things that they provide. However, if you are comfortable carrying your own things, then you can do so too.

1. Clothes: Stretchy, loose and comfortable clothing enough for three to four days. There is no understating the importance of comfortable clothing after a C-section. Although you’ll be changed into a hospital gown before and after the surgery, you may want to change in your regular clothes a couple of days later. Don’t get anything that sticks around the waist to avoid contact with the wounds. Also, avoid nylon or lacy fabric.
2. Undergarments: Comfortable, stretchy underwear so that it does not feel tight or rub against your surgery wounds.
3. Maternity essentials: Maternity clothing like nursing bras, maternity gowns, pants, etc.
4. Other requirements: Towels, socks, blankets, anything that you may need to keep yourself warm. Some hospitals tend to provide compression socks after C-section
5. Toiletries: Toiletries like soaps, shampoos, conditions, face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair ties, moisturizer, body lotion etc.
6. Sanitary hygiene: Maternity pads, since you’ll see quite a lot of bleeding like you’re on your period.
7. Abdominal compression binder: To help protect the surgical incision and help you move around a lot better.
8. Breastfeeding essentials: A breast pump. Hospitals may provide this. Nipple or breast cream. Most hospitals make this available.                                                                                            
9. Comfortable slippers.
10. Medical documents: Your medical records, documents, and insurance information.
11. Financial requirements: Wallet, chequebook, cards to make any payments.
12. Bathroom robes.
13. Pillows: If you are particular about your pillow, you may prefer carrying a pillow and pillowcase.
14. Warm clothes: Shawl or wraps to cover up during feeding.
15. Straws: Bendable straws in case you can’t sit up straight to drink.

Apart from these essentials, there are a few things that you may want to grab on the way, like your phone, the charger, a laptop, a book or music, etc. However, be careful to not load too much and don’t pick up things that will not be put to use.

For Your Baby

After delivery, you will need to make sure that your baby is comfortable and well provided for. While most of the essentials for a baby are given at hospitals, it never hurts to carry your own. You may need:

1. Clothes for the baby. It is best to carry a few pairs of clothes as babies are known to soil their clothes quite fast. It is recommended to get onsies that have socks at the end.
2. You will need to carry extra socks
3. Diaper bag with diapers, wipes, etc.
4. Pacifier
5. Car seat for when you’re ready to take the baby home.
6. Baby hats as babies are known to lose heat from their heads.
7. Feeding bottle
8. Talcum powder
9. Baby blanket
10. A couple of pairs of scratch mittens to prevent the baby from injuring his or her face or body with the nails.
11. Baby jacket if you’re in a cold weather zone.
12. Soft baby towels and some hand towels.
13. Bibs to prevent baby spit-up from getting on the clothes.
14. Baby hairbrush
15. Baby nail clippers
16. Waterproof sheets in case you plan on using cloth diapers.

For Your Birth Partner

Delivery time, if not equally, is quite stressful for your birth partner as well. Here are a few things that can help both of you prepare well in advance and a couple of things that you need to remember as you are heading out.

1. Clothes for a stay over at the hospital.
2. Warm blanket.
3. Toothbrush and toothpaste
4. Toiletries like soap, shampoo, etc, in case frequent visits to home are not possible.
5. Comfortable socks.
6. Slippers or flip flops
7. Pillow
8. Wallet and cards
9. Identification papers
10. Insurance and documents
11. Snacks and drinks in case he or she gets hungry during the wait.
12. Laptop, books or music to keep entertained.
13. Camera to capture the first few moments of your baby.
14. Mobile phone and charger
15. House keys and car keys