Hospital Bag for C Sectiom

[LadyIzzy]

Hello all, I'm booked for a c section (first child) on 13th May and I'm just finalising my hospital bag. I'm guessing I'll be in for about 24 hours, so far I have the following:

• 2 nighties
• slippers & dressing gown
• big cotton knickers (x4)
• baby sleepsuits (x4)
• baby vests (x4)
• baby hats & scratch mittens
• baby blanket and swaddle cloth
• Muslins (x4)
• newborn nappies (x12)
• baby wipes & nappy bags
• toiletries
• change of clothes for me
• maternity pads & nipple pads
• a book for the wait
• some light snacks (cereal bars etc)

The hospital is over 1hr 30mins away and once my birth partner is with me (private room) they cannot leave and come back due to minimising visitors in and out of the hospital so they won't be able to pop out to get anything that may have been forgotten. Is there anything I'm missing, or equally anything not needed on my list? Any advice, hints or tips would be greatly appreciated! TIA

Hi OP :) How exciting- not long to go!

I had a planned CS with DS1 (currently 40+1 with DS2)- and I ended up staying in for nearly 3 days... not saying it will happen to you but worth considering taking extras of everything you've listed (good list btw- only thing I can think isn't on there is baby milk... but that depends on whether you're planning to BF).

I did plan on exclusively BF, but couldn't in the end so we ended up having to raid the emergancy stash of pre-made formula the hospital had. You can buy these from the supermarket- in a box of 6- so might be worth having one 'just in case'? Or checking with the ward if there is a supply?

Extras (but not essential) - if you can fit an extra pillow- take one (hospital ones are thin and usually limited supply), and also a towel (be aware you may bleed in the shower) as the hospital ones are usually scratchy!

Oh, and don't forget your phone charger!

Good luck and hope all goes well :)

I'd take a lot more nappies, just in case you're there for longer than expected - my DD went through at least 12 nappies in 24 hours when she was tiny.

Also agree with suggestions of your own pillow if you have room, and formula just in case - the 'starter packs' have small bottles with tests that screw on then you just chuck the whole lot. Not very environmentally friendly but a godsend for us with a tiny 2kg baby that couldn't breastfeed at first.

Re: snacks, make sure you have enough for your birth partner as well as yourself and maybe consider lucozade or similar. Also a few mint teabags - you can get terrible trapped wind after a C-section and this can help ease it (although don't go overboard if you're wanting to breastfeed as peppermint is also not good for milk supply 🤦)

Pack several bags and leave them in the car. Take one in for the first day/night, but have the rest of your stuff in the car should you need it.

I'd take more maternity pads than you think, more knickers and more nappies in the bag for the first day.

In your bag for the car, some comfy clothes, loose yoga pants or leggings, long tops etc you can lounge about in, just in case you in a bit longer, I felt better getting dressed each day. The wards are hotter than the sun so don't pick too many warm clothes! Your own pillow is a good idea, leave it in the car until you are settled on the ward. Make sure your DH packs a bag for himself too if he is staying.

I'm sure there is more I will come back if I remember!

We took in a crossword book and it was great for all the waiting around.

I'd also say some lip balm, and a drink bottle with a straw, so you can drink it lying down!

Exciting times! Good luck xx

Thank you for your replies, pillow, towel, milk, more nappies and phone charger added to the list! Looks like I'm going to need a bigger bag!

Unfortunately my husband is not with me (he's stuck in his home country for at least another 4 weeks) so mum has been drafted in! I'll ask about leaving bags in the car, the midwife last week said once we're on the ward we can't leave (or mum can leave but then can't come back until I'm discharged) not sure what that means exactly.

I'm hoping they will allow me to stay a little longer, just to find my feet but I think it's unlikely unless there's a medical need.

Excited now!

I had a c section 2 weeks ago and would second everything already recommended! I ended up staying in 5 nights and didn’t have enough of anything.
I ran out of nappies and it was a nightmare so extra nappies.
Lots of snacks (meal times on the ward were 8am, midday and 5pm and I was starving in the evening).
Peppermint teabags.
Lipsalve.
Big drinks bottle.
Other comfy clothes (I took maternity trousers and one stretchy beach dress and ended up wearing the beach dress because the trousers were so uncomfy on my scar).

Good luck!

@JenDaw congratulations! Hopefully not much longer for you too! How was your recovery after your ECS? I'm a bit apprehensive about being on my own at night once I'm back home...

@LadyIzzy Thank you :) haha me too!! 🤞🤞

For me I needed the extra days in as I just wasn't able to get up and about quickly enough to be discharged after the first day- DS also had jaundice so had to wait for that to go.

Other mums around me were discharged pretty quickly though so think if you're ready after the first night it's prob the best thing to go home (believe me, you'll miss your bed and you won't want to spend longer in than necessary- it's SO hot in there lol!).

It may be a bit daunting the thought of being on your own, but after the first night (which I think you mentioned your mum would be with you) you'll be amazed at how your natural instincts kick in. Please try not to worry (I know it's sometimes easier said than done)...

My husband wasn't able to stay past 10pm each night, and I was ok (despite being completely daunted at first!).

I think it's pretty standard now that if someone leaves the hospital they can't come back in- so just pack everything and anything you can think of... xx