What to Pack for a Planned C-Section: Hospital Bag Checklist

Planning what to pack in your hospital bag for a planned cesarean will be a little different than what you’d typically pack if you were to have a traditional delivery. I’ve had three scheduled cesareans, so I thought I’d share some checklists to help you get your hospital bag packed.

When you first get to the hospital, I recommend that you leave your suitcase in the car. You will be moving from a waiting room to an operating room and then a recovery room. So you won’t want to lug all of your luggage with you. All you need is a bag or backpack to hold things like your cellphone and your clothing. You will have to change out of your clothes and wear a hospital gown, so having a small bag for those items is useful. I also recommend that you wear socks and slippers. The operating room can be pretty cold, so it’s nice to have some socks on. You also want footwear that’s easy to remove, and that’s why I’d suggest house slippers. You can’t wear any jewelry or contacts during the operation, so bring your glasses if necessary. Once you’ve been wheeled to your recovery room, your partner can then get your suitcase from the car.

Depending on how you and your baby are doing, you may have to stay at the hospital for a few days. Therefore, you will have to pack quite a bit for yourself, the baby and your partner. I suggest using different colour packing cubes when packing. That way, you can easily explain to your partner, family member or nurse where certain items are. For example, if I need something for myself, I’d ask the person helping me to get me a green packing cube. But let’s say it was for the baby, I’d ask for an orange one. You won’t be mobile and you’ll also be on powerful pain killers, so it helps to make things as clear as possible.

Checklists

For Mom

• Eyeglasses (if needed)
• Socks
• Toiletries
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Phone and charger
• Makeup
• Nightgown
• Cardigan
• Shower flip flops
• High waisted underwear
• Nursing bras
• Breastfeeding pillow
• Slippers
• Loose going home outfit

For Baby

• Onesies
• Sleepers
• Velcro swaddles 
• Burp cloths
• Hat
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Diaper cream
• Car seat

For Partner

• Toiletries
• Phone and charger
• Pyjamas
• Comfortable clothing
• Underwear and socks
• Slippers
• Sleeping bag

Once you bring home your bundle of joy and have fully recovered, you can make a special keepsake. I’ve explained how to make a baby shadow box in this video.

Make sure you don’t wait till the last minute to pack your hospital bag. Even though it’s scheduled, things can always change. All three of my c-sections happened a week earlier than planned.

Wishing you a safe delivery!

Vaishali