The Ultimate C-Section Hospital Bag Packing Guide
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This is everything I packed in my C-section hospital bag. I had everything I needed, it fit it all in one small carry-on-sized suitcase, and I used everything I brought!
When you’re a high risk pregnancy, you have to be prepared, especially if a major health issue could affect your birth. And in my opinion, it’s good to prepare even if you’re not high-risk!
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Call me paranoid, but I packed my hospital bag for both my babies when I was 26 weeks pregnant. And for both hospital stays, I packed for a C-section even though I expected (and hoped for) a vaginal birth. As a mom with type 1 diabetes, I was at increased risk for premature labor and other health issues that might result in or necessitate a complicated delivery, so I wanted to be ready for whatever came my way.
The good news is, none of the health issues I was afraid of when I got pregnant with either of my babies ever materialized. The less-than-ideal news: Both of my babies did wind up having Cesarean births.
For the first 24 hours after I had my first baby, I could hardly stand up after birth, let alone walk. So I was really glad that I had a hospital bag decked out with everything my husband and I could possibly need during our four-day hospital stay. I wound up using almost everything I packed and all fit in a standard carry-on sized suitcase.
Want a peek inside my hospital bag? I thought you might! Here’s what I packed:
The Ultimate C-Section HospItal Bag Packing List
To Wear:
- 2-3 Nursing bras (<– these were my favorite)
- Labor clothes (optional)
- Old sweater or robe (something you won’t mind too much getting dirty) in case you’re cold
- Pairs of socks (the hospital may have socks with grippy bottoms for you)
- Loose fitting clothes for going home (I left in a maternity nightgown!)
- Maternity underwear (something high waisted)
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Floss/Mouthwash
- Body lotion
- Makeup and hand mirror (optional—for photos)
- Hair ties
- Deodorant
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Wet wipes (just nice to have!)
For Breastfeeding:
- Nursing pads (the hospital may have some)
- Nipple cream
- Breastfeeding pillow (optional)
- Nursing cover (optional)
- Prenatal vitamins (optional)
- Frozen colostrum & cooler (optional)
- Colostrum collecting cups (optional, but may be helpful)
For Comfort:
- Lip balm
- Pillow (in a protector) with old pillowcase
- Bath towel
- Flip flops (for the shower)
For Baby:
- Outfits (optional – the hospital provided some)
- Coming Home outfit
- Swaddle blankets (optional – the hospital provided some)
- Make sure the car set installed
- Diapers and wipes (these are usually provided by the hospital, but if you have specific brands you want to use, you may need to bring these)
Electronics:
- Cell phone and charger
- Small extension cord (in case the outlet to plug in your phone is far away from your bed)
- Ear buds/headphones (and iPod + charger if you’re not using your phone)
For Your Partner/Support Person:
- A change of clothes
- Button-down shirt (optional, for skin-to-skin)
- Toiletries
- Cell phone and charger
- Quarters or cash for vending machines
- Blanket and pillow (optional)
- Water bottle
- Entertainment (books, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
And Don’t Forget…
- Birth plan
- Hospital registration info
- Insurance Card and ID
- List of people to call when baby is born
- Gifts for nurses
But That’s not all!
As a mom with type 1 diabetes, I also needed to pack to manage my blood sugar. Many hospitals will manage your blood sugar for you, but I regretted letting them do this with my first baby. For my second, I managed my own glucose.
Either way, once you’ve had your baby, you’ll need to have access to diabetes supplies to be used during your hospital stay. Here’s what I brought:
WHAT TO PACK in your hospital bag when you have diabetes
- 3 infusion sets (I like to have extra in case of bent canulas)
- Spare reservoir and tubing (I actually brought 2)
- Insulin (in a cooler)
- Any frozen colostrum you may have (in a cooler)
- Spare Dexcom sensor and tape
- Glucose meter + charger (or fresh batteries)
- Lots of extra test strips and lancets
- Foods to treat low blood sugar (I brought fruit snacks, glucose tabs, & juice boxes)
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