This may be your first baby or it might be your second pregnancy like mine. Whatever your situation may be, you have been scheduled a C-section.
I had my first baby 3 years ago and that little munchkin did not want to come out. I don’t blame her though. My belly had been her home for months and now we were trying to force her out. Long story short my first labor and delivery resulted in an emergency C-section.
If you aren’t prepared to have a C-section, it can be a very overwhelming experience. Some of you can relate I’m sure. However, I have made a list of things not to forget to bring with you to the hospital so your experience can be more of a positive one and to make it as comfortable as possible.
Often times when we feel overwhelmed or stressed it’s because we feel out of control in our situation. With having a scheduled C-section you already have more control then other Mothers going into delivery. For the most part you have an idea of the process and what the recovery will be like.
(My advice if this is your first C-section; read positive uplifting C-section stories, express your concerns to your doctor, and trust.)
This list will help you be more prepared and will be a great outline to customizing your own hospital bag.
- BOOKS/MAGAZINES/MOVIES/IPOD
Bringing books or movies will help you to stay entertained while you are waiting. Before the surgery and for after. If books or movies aren’t your thing, I would suggest packing whatever it is that soothes you and will help the time pass.
I bought some soothing music on iTunes nights prior to my surgery to calm my nerves. It helped tremendously.
2. A ROBE/NIGHTGOWN/COMFORTABLE PAJAMAS
I am all about being comfortable. While you can stay in your hospital gown the whole time (exactly what I wore the whole time for my first) this time around you may want to feel a little bit more like yourself and in something that is yours.
You will be in the hospital for about 2-4 days, depending on your situation. In that period of time you will want to wear clothing that is not to body hugging or tight. The looser, the better.
This time around I ordered a loose, breastfeeding nightgown from amazon. A robe is great as well because it allows you to be completely covered when necessary but also extremely easy to uncover when needed.
3. BOPPY PILLOW
With my first C-section the pain totally caught me off guard and I was having the most difficult time figuring out breastfeeding. I couldn’t get into any comfortable positions and I became so frustrated. Arriving home from the hospital I began to use my boppy pillow that I received as a gift from my baby shower, which became my breastfeeding lifesaver.
Using it at home, I wished I had brought it with me to the hospital. Bringing the pillow this time will make nursing my baby so much easier and more accommodating for the both of us while we are in the hospital.
(When getting comfortable with breastfeeding I don’t know but newborns love the ‘football position’. The boppy pillow makes it very easy to be comfortable for you and baby.)
4. COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR
Don’t forget your slippers/crocs/or whatever your favorite comfortable shoes are. It’s encouraged to walk for a faster recovery after having a C-Section.
If this is your first C-Section, it will be difficult at first. I am positive my recovery could have been better if I had got moving but I just laid in bed. And when I did start moving my calves became very sore which scared me, and then that lead me to the emergency room because of googling.
Don’t just lay in bed. Take your pain meds, wear your belly band (the hospital should provide one) put on your slippers and walk as much as you can Mama. Your nurses will be encouraging you!
5. SNACKS
After your baby’s arrival you’re going to be tired and hungry. Especially because you were just required to fast before your surgery.
Although you’ll be hungry you may not be able to eat due the aftermath of the anesthesia. It made me extremely nauseous so I actually didn’t eat till the following day after my surgery.
However once you do regain your strength you will be very hungry and having some assessable snacks will provide convenience to you and whoever else is with you.
6. YOUR OWN PILLOW/BLANKET
With my first labor and delivery I didn’t anticipate staying in the hospital as long as I did. Looking back it would have been nice to have my own pillow and blanket. A little piece of home to make the nights and stay that much better and soothing.
7. UNDERWEAR
Just because you’re having a C-section doesn’t mean you are not going to bleed. Often times we forget about the fun stuff that comes with recovery after birth.
Pack underwear that you don’t mind if it gets ruined, because more then likely it will. in a nutshell, you’re going to want underwear that can support giant maxi-pads.
(The hospital will more then likely supply all your pads and underwear needs so have peace of mind that even if you forget or don’t include this in your hospital bag your hospital has got you covered girl!)
8. CAMERA/CHARGER
Double check you brought both. You are going to want to capture so many moments! These are the pictures you’ll be looking back on and wanting to cry about every time. Especially as they get older and older.
The hospital stay goes by so fast and before you know it you are at home. Take it all in and capture all the details!
9. TOILETRIES
Keep it simple. More then likely you’ll have at least one shower in the hospital, so I would recommend bringing your own towel as well.
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, brush, lip balm. Keep it to a minimal. You just had a surgery!
( Your hospital will more then likely provide all of this! So don’t stress if you forgot something!)
10. GOING HOME OUTFITS FOR YOU AND BABY
What a relief it is when they tell you that you can all go home.
I would suggest a loose dress for yourself. Again, you don’t want to wear anything that’s going to be rubbing against your incision.
That’s it!! Keep your hospital bag simple and don’t overpack.
Oh my goodness who else can’t wait to hold their newborn!
Photo by Isaac Taylor on Pexels.com
What are the things you are packing in your hospital bag that you don’t want to forget? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experience’s with your scheduled C-section.
Wishing you all a healthy, smooth, amazing, labor and delivery. A moment to cherish forever, that also goes by way too fast.
The Wild Gems 