58 Things To Pack In Hospital Bag For A C-Section

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Ensuring you have all the essentials at the hospital will make your stay comfortable.

Dr. Miguel Razio Osorio began his career in 2004 and has 19 years of experience in various fields of gynecology. After two years of internship and social service, he decided to specialize in G&O. Since 2013, Dr. Razo has dedicated his training and practice to improving his patients' obstetric and gynecological health, getting his degree as a certified specialist in 2017. Read full bio of Dr. Miguel Angel Razo Osorio

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Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

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While a healthy vaginal birth may only need a day or two in the hospital, a cesarean (C-section) delivery may necessitate a longer stay.

Therefore, if you are scheduled for one, given below is a list of things to pack in a hospital bag for a C-section. Packing your hospital bag early can ease stress and ensure you have everything needed for comfort and recovery after delivery.

Over the past years, the cesarean delivery rate has shown an upward trend. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, the cesarean delivery rate was 32.1% in 2021. Cesarean birth usually necessitates a few days of relaxation and a hospital stay after that, including a stay of at least one day before delivery and anywhere between four to five days after the delivery. For example, the Mount Sinai Hospital states an average of 2-4 days of hospital stay post-surgery (1).

This post includes a comprehensive list of items to include in a hospital bag, as well as a checklist that you may download or print at your convenience.

Categorizing will help you pack effectively and correctly, without forgetting any essentials. A few key things to remember here are:

The American Pregnancy Association mentions a list of articles that may be useful during your hospital stay (2). We have used its help to compile a detailed hospital bag checklist for a potential C-section procedure. Make sure you check and add or remove items as needed and convenient.

Your picture ID (drivers license, for instance).

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Image: Shutterstock

Image: Shutterstock

A mother of three triplets shares what clothes she packed for her hospital bag, “I brought all of my maternity stretchy comfy yoga pants and tanks. I had hot flashes, and the NICU rooms were kept super warm, so I was constantly sweaty and hot. It was nice to have tanks that I could pull down for nursing, and I brought a sweater if I got cold (i).”

Your partner will be running in and out of your room, but he will be spending all or most of his time at the hospital. Pack wisely:

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Some hospitals provide baby clothes for the first few days while many do not. Also, most hospitals ask you not to use any products on your baby for the first few days after surgery.

Here are a few things you should pack and keep ready:

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1. Will I need a peri bottle after C-section?

A Peri bottle may be useful after a C-section especially when you have undergone labor prior to the surgery. The bottle will help you clean the perineal area every time you use the washroom.

2. Do you need perineal ice packs after C-section?

A pre-planned C-section may not require perineal ice packs, but they may be useful if you have undergone labor for some time. The ice pack may help alleviate swelling and pain in the perineal region.

3. How many maternity pads do I need after C-section?

The number of maternity pads needed after a C-section can vary depending on an individual’s blood flow. However, having a minimum of 20 maternity pads with you during your hospital stay after a C-section is generally recommended.

Categorize things according to your necessities and requirements while you are packing your hospital bag for a C-section delivery. It is advised to carry enough comfortable outfits that you can change as the time of discharge after a C-section might differ from that of a normal delivery. Make a list with your partner, who can carry all the essential documents and things you will need for the baby. It is better to keep your bag ready in the third trimester, well before your last week of pregnancy, as it takes off the load for an additional job and will help during an emergency run.

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