What I packed in my Hospital Bag
Welcome to the ultimate guide on what to pack in your hospital bag for a planned c-section or belly birth! As a seasoned mom who recently experienced the joys and challenges of recovery, I've compiled a comprehensive list of essentials that truly made a difference during my hospital stay. Discover the must-haves for both the surgical procedure and the crucial recovery period. Honestly most of the recovery time I spent in bed and did not feel like doing much of anything to keep up with my hygiene. There were a few comforts I was so happy to have that I shared below for you! So, let's dive into the details and ensure your hospital bag is packed with everything you need for a smooth and comfortable journey into motherhood!
Surgery
Bluetooth speaker with charger
I also got a fire playlist together!
Birth plan printed
It’s nice to reference to not forget things in the blur of the birth with so much happening! I wish I had reviewed mine before the surgery.
Recovery
Nursing Pillow - I brought my Boppy and was so glad to have it!
Nipple Balm - Nemah or Rebecca’s
This was a must for me as someone who had never breastfed before
Lila Labor gown - I got the Amelia for the arm snaps and full coverage
I basically wore this exclusively the entire time I was recovering at the hospital! Originally I bought it for a vaginal birth and thought it was a waste, but afterwards I wish I had 2! It was amazing for breastfeeding and was just super comfortable.
Sleeping mask - bodily makes a super comfy one
I was so tired and it is helpful to have something to help you sleep during the day
Nursing bras - I like the Bodily Effortless Bra!
I don’t think I actually wore these at all in the hospital, but that’s because I hadn’t worn a bra in over 3 years. Now I wear these exclusively.
Hard bottom slippers - optional
I mostly just walked around in the grippy socks provided by the hospital, but sometimes it was nice to have hard bottom slippers for walking around outside my room
Electronics
Charging cords (phone, watch, iPad, etc.)
Wall plug
Portable Battery
To charge devices in case my cord couldn’t reach an outlet from the hospital bed or alternatively have super long cords!
Grooming
Towel
I wanted a larger towel to be able to wrap around my entire body and provide comforts of home
Face wipes and face lotion
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, body soap
Face wash products
Honestly didn’t really use them and just used face wipes and face lotion to keep it simple
Makeup
I did pack this but didn’t ever use it! If I was going to do a photoshoot, then maybe I’d consider putting some on, but I really didn’t feel up for doing much let alone wearing makeup!
Other
Water bottle with straw
Electrolyte packets - I like LMNT
Going home outfits for me and baby!
I wore the Hailee Sweater Set (which had fit me during pregnancy) and found something similar online for baby to match me!
Optional extras
I had extra time pre-surgery so we brought extra stuff to pass the time!
Board games
Kindle + other books
Journal
Provided by the Hospital
These are items the hospital provided, so I didn’t end up using any of my own and actually really liked what the hospital provided!
Disposable mesh underwear
Pads for bleeding
Newborn diapers
Blankets for swaddling baby
Hat for baby
Breast pump - if needed due to feeding challenges
I also took extras of these home from the hospital room, which was encouraged!
So there you have it! That’s what I packed in my hospital bag for my planned c-section or what I would pack!
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