Are you having a planned or scheduled C-section? You’re in the right place because I’m going to be sharing with you what you need to pack in your hospital bag for scheduled c section! As you may know, having a C-section is major surgery. You are going to be recovering in the hospital for a couple of days. So it’s better to be prepared with this useful C-section hospital bag checklist.

I’m all about packing for things that you need and are going to use. Nothing extra or fancy here! Packing list for a scheduled c section should be simple and realistic. With the birth of my twins I had a scheduled c-section. Of course my twins came a week earlier, but I was ready and prepared with my own c-section hospital bag.

Know that most of these items can also be used and applied if you’re having a vaginal birth. Because you never know what will actually happen during labor. Preparing for your scheduled c-section should be easy and stress free and that’s why I created this simple hospital bag checklist for moms to be. So you don’t have to guess what to pack in your hospital bag for your planned c-section.

These are some common questions you may have about a scheduled c-section

Can you eat before a c-section?

The simple and straightforward answer to this question is no, you cannot eat before having a c-section. This is due to concerns that food may be inhaled or aspirated into the lungs.

“ACOG recommends that women undergoing a planned C-section not eat solid foods six to eight hours prior to the procedure” (source). Always speak to your provider and follow his/her guidelines.

What should I expect during a c section?

Having a c-section is major surgery and you may be curious as to what to expect during the procedure. I was lucky that many of my family members have had c-sections before and so I know a few things. I wrote a very detailed article on everything you should expect during a c-section!

What to expect after the surgery?

If you want to know exactly what happens after having a c-section, you should read this article that I wrote! Know that after having a cesarean section, you need to care for yourself and your incision. It is very important for your recovery. Here are c-section recovery tips that are going to help you heal quickly!

20 things you must pack in your hospital bag for a scheduled c-section

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Planned C-section hospital bag for mom

1.Belly band

One of the first things you should pack in your hospital bag for scheduled c section is a postpartum belly wrap .  It’s great because it speeds up the healing process and reduces swelling and bloating.

2.Large high waisted underwear

After a cesarean section, you are going to have vaginal bleeding and it comes pretty heavy. In order to accommodate your large pads, you’re going to need large underwear or mesh underwear.  Make sure they are high waisted underwear so it does not touch or irritate your incision area. These underwear are soft and comfortable to wear!

I have seen many women wear these mesh high waisted underwear too! They are disposable and washable.

3. Large maxi pads

You need to wear large pads after birth and there is no ifs or buts about it. It’s just the reality of postpartum. After giving birth whether via c-section or vaginal, you are going to have postpartum bleeding and it’s heavy! Make sure you stock up on these large maxi pads, my favorite!

4. Nightgowns

If you are feeling fancy or just want to wear something cuter than a hospital gown. Then girl, by all means buy yourself a night gown to wear during your hospital stay.

Here are some cute options for you:

5. Important documents

Make sure to pack all of your important documents like your state identification, insurance for you and your soon to be born baby and medications that you take (if you take any). be prepared for all of the paperwork you’ll be doing in the hospital.

6. Camera or smartphone

You are definitely going to want to take pictures and record your beautiful birth. So, make sure to pack your camera, cellphone and video recorder. Do not forget your chargers! Also, make sure your partner or who ever is going to be in the room with you, records and takes a lot of pictures!

Here are some good camera options if you need :

7. Nursing bra/pads/nipple cream

If you are planning on breastfeeding, you need to pack a couple of nursing bras and nursing pads so you don’t leak all over and also nipple cream to ease the pain and discomfort! you may want to bring your breast pump as well. Even though they may provide one for you in the hospital. Having a nursing pillow may help you breastfeed in comfort.

These nursing bras come in a pack of three and it also comes with extra extenders and clips. It has an easy drop cup for easy feedings.

These were the nursing pads that I used when nursing my first born. They were easy to use and comfortable. Of course it did the job in making sure I didn’t leak in front of people!

Nipple creams soothes and protects sore nipples for breastfeeding mamas.

8. C-section birthing plan

I did not have a birthing plan with both of my pregnancies and that’s because I didn’t know about it. But, I do think it’s a great idea and the best part is that you can also have a birthing plan even if you’re having a c-section.

9. Toothbrush and toothpaste

You may also want to pack a tooth brush and toothpaste in your hospital bag. Even though they do provide it in most if not all hospitals, having your own is so much better!

10. Toiletries

Make sure to pack the basic toiletries that you’re going to need, specially since you’re going to be staying in the hospital for a couple of days. Check this cute bag full of the essentials !

Toiletries essentials for c-section hospital bag:

1. deodorant
2. shampoo
3. conditioner
4. makeup
5. razor
6. lotion
7. body spray
8. comb
9. hairbrush
10. hair ties scrunchies
11. lip balm
12. dry shampoo
13. soap

11. Breastfeeding pillow

After having a c-section, you need to be and feel comfortable while breastfeeding. You cannot put pressure on your incision area because it’s not going to heal properly. That’s why having a breastfeeding pillow is so important for the c-section mama.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

12. Comfortable socks

All hospital are super cold and wearing socks are so ideal. I wish I had bought my own cute pair of socks instead of wearing the ones the hospital provides you with.

13. Compression socks

You may think you are not going to need compression socks during your hospital stay. But, hear me out, they are so helpful in keeping blood circulation flowing around your legs. Since, the first couple of hours you are not going to be able to walk around. Compression socks also prevents you from swelling!

14. Slippers

Be comfortable walking around your hospital room with your own slippers. I had one and I loved it because I didn’t have to walk with hospital socks on all day.

15. Water bottle

After you give birth, you are going to need to drink a lot of fluids, preferably water. You need to stay hydrated in order to heal properly and fast from your c-section. Drinking water helps with constipation which is something that can happen after having a c-section.

Check these selection of water bottles you can take to the hospital:

16. Entertainment

If you have a scheduled or planned C-section, chances are you are going to wait for a while until you actually go into the delivery room. So packing magazines, books, games and things like that is always a great idea. You do not want to be bored, trust me mama!

17. Hospital bag for dad

Did you know dad need his own hospital bag too? Yes! Your partner should have his own things in his own bag. I have written a very detailed article on what dads should pack in their hospital bags! It’s super helpful.

18. Snacks rich in fiber

Start your rich in fiber diet the minute you are given the okay to eat by your doctor. Foods rich in fiber help with constipation. Even though you will be given a stool softener in the hospital. I believe going the natural way like food, can help tremendously to move things around there!

19. Bible

I believe in God and Jesus and if you do too,I suggest you take your bible. Read a couple of passages that brings you calm and peace. This way you are ready, prepared and are not scared about the procedure.

Now, if you are not religious, you can still find ways to bring you peace. Like writing on a journal, listening to music and reading labor affirmations.

20. Going home outfit

Last, you need your going home outfit! Make sure you have it packed in your C-section hospital bag. The clothing should be loose fitted, not tight around your incision area and it has to be comfortable of course! I honestly love maxi dresses and it was exactly what I wore home after the births of my children.

Here are a few going home outfits for you:

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Now, here are ideas of what to pack for your baby. Since you’re not going to need a lot of things because the hospital will provide you with the important basics. Like diapers, wipes, vaseline, formula, blankets and more! Here are a few must haves for baby!

Things to pack for your baby:

1. Car seat
2. Blanket
3. Beanie hat
4. socks
5. swaddle blanket
6. outfit to go home with

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Having a scheduled c-section gives you time to prepare before hand everything that you and your baby need. Your hospital bag for a planned c-section should always be practical and have items that you are going to use.

I hope you found this list of products to pack for your c-section useful and helpful. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a quick and easy recovery.