So it looks like Monday or Tuesday of this week will be it! My due date is not for the 22nd, but since I’m having some complications with blood pressure and been on bed rest, the schedule has been moved up. My hospital bag has been packed for some time now, and I’ve put alot of thought into what I want to have with me. Next to clothing and toiletries, I highly recommend a birth plan as I speak from experience. I decided to skip it with my first delivery and things did not transpire as I imagined they would, resulting in a few things I still feel sour about.
Since I’ve been here before, I’ve put together a list of what I’m taking with me to the hospital for my planned c-section.
1. Comfy clothing
My comfortable outfit of choice these past 2 months have been loose t-shirts and yoga pants – specifically the ones from Target. I like them because instead of folding the printed side over, you can pull it up over your belly and it stays up nicely. For c-section mamas, this will cover your incision area, and you may be wearing these for the following week or two while you heal. Also, once you start to get your pre-pregnancy body back, these should still fit you.
2. Granny panties
I bought a brand new package of these sexy skivvies for the sole purpose of them being ruined. They are also nice for c-section mamas, because it will sit high on your waist, covering your incision and any bandages. Plus, ugly as they may be, they are comfy.
3. Nursing bra or sports bra
If you plan to breastfeed, you will probably want to wear something where you can easily pull one out to feed baby. If you plan to bottle feed, you’ll just want something comfy! Myself personally, I have one of my favorite sports bras packed.
4. Snacks
These are not the “in case you get hungry” snacks, because the hospital usually has a nice menu for you to choose from. These are meant for helping you accomplish that dreaded #2 that your attending nurse will keep asking you about. With the mix of hormones running through your veins (or lack of) it can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Plus, going to the bathroom is going to hurt especially if you had a c-section… Alot. Save yourself some discomfort and stock up on fiber snacks to help you.
5. Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body gel
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Facial wash
- Razor
- Small poof
- Hair brush
- Lip balm
Not shown:
- Mouthwash
- Emery board
- Hemorrhoid wipes & cream
- Deodorant
- Hair dryer
6. Makeup
If you like to wear makeup, spending 10 minutes to make yourself feel pretty will be worth it!
7. Flip flops
The hospital shower floor kinda grosses me out, so flip flops help save my feet!
8. A towel from home
The hospital will likely provide towels for you, but they won’t be the lush ones you are used to from home. I’m not sure what to expect from my hospital, so I’m bringing one of my own.
9. Slippers & Robe
These are nice to have when you are walking the halls either during or after the labor process. The doctor will also encourage you to do some walking post-op to help you re-gain use of your legs. Bring old ones!
10. Socks
It can get cold in the hospital and you might wish you had some!
11. Electronics
I love my tech gear, so I’m bringing my iPad & phone with their respective chargers.
Also, its been my experience with hospitals that plug outlets are NOWHERE near the bed you will be sitting in most of the time. An extension cord to power your devices will make life so much easier.
12. Camera equipment
I can’t be without my camera gear!
- Point and shoot camera OR
- DSLR camera & lenses
- Camera chargers
- Speedlight
- Extra batteries for the speedlight
- Video camera to record the birth PLUS charger
- Extra SD cards
- Lens wipes
13. A gift for big brother / big sister
If this is your second/third/fourth child, it is important not to forget them. Everything will be all about the new baby, and the last thing you want is for them to feel left out. When JP gets to meet his baby sister for the first time, I plan on giving him some small, but meaningful gifts – a book and a t-shirt so he still feels loved and included.
Of course, there’s baby’s bag too! I’ve got this packed in my diaper bag
1. Photo session props
Most hospitals have an in-hospital professional photo service that takes baby’s first portraits. If it’s something you’re interested in – have a nice outfit, a fuzzy, solid colored blanket and be prepared to spend anywhere between 100-400$ on a package.
2. Going home outfit
When I first saw this too-cute-for-words outfit, I knew it was perfect. After all, I’m not having any more babies – so why not go all out? I found this at a local shop that specializes in baby clothing.
3. Some normal outfits
I realize that baby will be most comfy in just a onesie and a swaddle. So I’m bringing some newborn clothing too.
4. Heirloom blanket
My mom likes to knit, and she’s knit countless things for baby girl. This was used as JP’s receiving blanket, so there’s something special to me about using it for her too.
Things you don’t need because the hospital will provide them
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Bottles
- Diaper cream
- Baby lotion
- Baby shampoo
- Pacifier
- Comb for baby’s hair
There’s countless other little things that you could also take with you to maintain your comfort while you’re away from home. I’m not taking any of these with me, but you may find them useful in your bag.
- Birthing ball
- Scented candles
- Pillow from home
- Nipple cream
- Nursing pillow
I hope this helps you put together your own ultimate bag!
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