What’s in my hospital bag for scheduled C-Section
When it comes to packing your hospital bag, no matter how you choose to give birth, there are certain ‘essentials’ that every mummy needs. But when you are having a C section, there are other ‘bits’ that you might like t think about adding to make the experience as good as possible. Below is what I have packed for my C-section delivery in two weeks. Having had 2 C -sections before, I’d like to think I now know EXACTLY what is needed and what isn’t (but that doesn’t mean to say I haven’t added some ‘luxury items’ that are certainly not essential, but I know will make me feel more like me after the surgery.)
If you’d like some handy tips on how to pack your hospital bag/keep it organised, then head over to my Instagram @MummyConciergeHQ to see some reels I have made giving my top ‘Mummy Hacks!’
Scroll down for my specific brand recommendations and ‘Mummy Hacks'/reasons' why’ I packed what I did!
THE ESSENTIALS: The ACTUAL products I have packed (and the reasons!)
Nightdress by Lily and Ribbon
Mummy Hack: I always suggest packing a dark coloured night dress, even if you are having a C- section as you will still bleed vaginally after the birth. The last thing you want is a white coloured night dress in case of leakage! Nightdresses are also fab for C section mummies as the midwives will want to check your scar frequently and hoisting up a night dress is much easier than pulling down PJ bottoms. Also with PJ’s you don’t really want anything resting on your scar so I would avoid these if possible.
I loved this nightdress because not only is it incredibly soft and lovely to wear but it also isn’t frumpy. The lace detailing will make you feel a little bit more glamorous during your hospital stay and will look pretty in those first photos of you and your baby .
Neals yard Pillow spray
Mummy Hack: Lots of people hate the smell of hospitals (myself included) so having a pillow spray is a little treat to make your bed smell lovely
Mummy Hack: Rather than pack huge bottles of body wash/shampoo etc this handy little kit has everything in travel sizes (And smells divine!) I also loved the fact it was called the ‘arrival kit’ - pretty apt!
Face wipes (Garnier)
Mummy Hack: Again, rather than lugging makeup removed and cotton wool in your hospital bag, I opted for face wipes. Easy, simple and does the job
Non underwired bra ( Love Stories Intimates)
Mummy Hack: If you are breastfeeding then i’d advise getting nursing bras (check out Hot Milk for some gorgeous ones!) but if, like me, you’re not breastfeeding then I’d still recommend getting non underwired bras for your hospital stay. You boobs will still feel sore so you need to be as comfy as possible.
BBHug me nursing pillow
Mummy Hack: Again, even if you’re not breastfeeding, I still think this is an essential as it’s a lovely place to rest your baby whilst you feed them (bottle or boob) and will save your arms getting tired.
NIght dress from The White Company
Mummy Hack: With a c section, you’ll usually stay in hospital 2-3 nights afterwards, so I’d recommend packing 3-5 nightdresses so that you can have a nice clean one to change into when you feel like it. This goes against my ‘get a dark coloured nightdress’ ethos above, but I have also packed a light grey nightdress from The White Company just incase the bleeding isn’t too bad and I feel comfortable wearing it.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Mummy Hack - opt for a travel size toothpaste tube so it doesn’t take up too much room in your hospital bag. If you are packing n electric toothbrush, don’t forget to pack your charger!
Peppermint capsules or Peppermint Tea Bags
Mummy Hack: After a C section, you can get lots of trapped wind from the surgery in your tummy which causes intense shoulder pain (believe it or not!) Peppermint capsules or a mug or two of peppermint tea is a complete life saver and will help get rid of the wind (and pain) quickly.
Movicol (or similar)
Mummy Hack: Again, just a little something to ‘treat’ yourself whilst your baby is sleeping. I love the fact this mask self heats and smells delicious. It’s that little bit of ‘me time’ that you can claim as your own.When you have any sort of anaesthetic, it will likely make you constipated so having a stash of something like MOvicol is always useful to hep get everything moving again. You don’t necessarily need to pack this in your hospital bag (as the midwives will likely give you something during your stay anyway) but it’s worth asking them what they recommend and making sure you get some when you head home.
Makeup
Mummy Hack: Some mummies wouldst consider this an essential, but for me, a dash of mascara and blusher makes me feel a lot better!
Hairbands, Contact lenses, Dry Shampoo, Hand mirror
Mummy Hack: Its so easy to forget to pack these little essentials so make a note NOW to add them to your list (especially if you’re a contact lens/glasses wearer!) I have a little pouch/makeup bag that I put all of these little bits in so that they are easy to find. Dry shampoo is great if you don’t have the energy (or inclination!) to wash your hair after a C section and a hand mirror can be really useful if you want to add a dash of mascara before visitors arrive!
Extension lead for your phone
Mummy Hack: It took me two C sections to realise that quite often your iPhone charger isn’t long enough to be plugged in AND rest neatly on your bedside table. 100% invest in an extension lead for your iPhone/ipad, as when you have have a C section, the last thing you want is to be getting in and out of bed unnecessarily
Black Granny Pants
Mummy Hack: As I mentioned, you will still bleed after a C section and will need to wear huge sexy sanitary towels in your pants. Which is why I suggest getting high waisted (so that they go over your scar) black granny pants. I would also size up by two sizes so that they are really comfortable.
Smarts Cells core blood kit
Mummy Hack: We have decided to store our baby’s core blood cells (contact me if you want more info on this!) as it could potentially help save our baby’s life (or her siblings!) in the future.
My Own Pillow
Mummy Hack: Hospital pillows are never very comfortable so I always advise my Mummy Clients to take their own
Going Home outfit
Mummy Hack: There is one rules her (especially if you’ve had a C section) and that is: COMFORT. Opt for a jumper dress or similar that won’t rest on your scar. I also always pack a cashmere shawl just incase you feel cold when leaving the hospital
The Luxuries
This is Silk Eye Mask
Mummy Hack: Hospital wards can be very bright (and even if you’re having your baby privately, you’ll find midwives will come into your room throughout the night to check on you.) Wearing an eye mask means you will be disturbed as little as possible . Believe it or not, silk eye masks also have numerous benefits especially if you have sensitive skin. They are incredibly soft and silk helps regulate your body temperature so you won’t overheat in your hospital bed.
Colourful Dressing gown (Net a Porter)
Mummy Hack: as you start to recover fro your C section you’ll want some lovely photos of you and your little one in hospital. A brightly coloured dressing gown will add that little bit of glamour and make you feel like you again
GHD mini hair straighteners
Mummy Hack: Another ‘luxury’ item but if, like me, your hair is a frazzled mess after lying in bed all day then these might just be your lifesaver before visitors pop in to see you. Certainly not an essential, but I like having them incase of an emergency!
Heated space mask
Mummy Hack: Again, just a little something to ‘treat’ yourself whilst your baby is sleeping. I love the fact this mask self heats and smells delicious. It’s that little bit of ‘me time’ that you can claim as your own.
Linen Dressing Gown from Piglet
Mummy Hack: If you are having your little one in the summer months, then I would invest in a gorgeous linen dressing gown during your hospital stay. I got mine from Piglet and it is not only gorgeous but keeps me really cool (very important when in hospital as hospitals are usually very hot!)
Reed diffuser
Mummy Hack: Again, not an essential (and probably only works if you have your own private room) but if you hate the smell of hospital rooms then a reed diffuser with your favourite smell, can make a huge difference. I got mine from Take Five aromatherapy and just love it.