Your C-Section Hospital Bag Checklist: Midwife-and-Mum-Approved
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Time to read 6 min
Any mum who’s had a caesarean will tell you: the c-section hospital bag checklist isn’t just a roll call of the basics. It’s about setting yourself up for as much comfort (and calm) as possible ahead of major surgery. Think high-waisted everything, soothing bits that actually help, and the kind of prep that makes those early post-op days a little easier to navigate.
Whether it’s your first section or your third, here’s what to pack for your c-section—straight from midwives and mums who’ve been there, done that, and packed the extra-long charger.
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Trending: C-Section recovery How much you should pack in your c-section hospital bag Your C-Section Hospital Bag Packing List For the birth For after the birth For going home Trending: C-Section recovery outfits What to wear immediately after a c-section Trending: Hospital Bag heroes Frequently Asked Questions Read more
Trending: C-Section recovery
When it comes to actaully packing your hospital bag, it can be helpful to break it down into sections, thinking about items that are:
- for you during the birth
- for you after the birth
- for the baby
- for your birth partner(s)
BTW, in this guide, we're popping baby and birth partner to the side and focussing on what's going in that bag that's just for you. But don't worry, we've got them covered in our catch-all packing guide.
How much you should pack in your c-section hospital bag
While it's important to have the items you need, space can be limited on pre- and post-natal wards. So, how long exactly should you pack for in your c-section bag? "Lots of NHS Hospitals are now offering 24 hour discharges but there are occasions where women will stay two nights following their c-section birth so pack for two nights to be safe," says Midwife Vic, founder C-section UK.
Your C-Section Hospital Bag Checklist
Look up "essential" in the dictionary of life and you'll find about a hundred different definitions.
But when it comes to c-sections, there are a few things mums, midwives and medics all agree on.
For the birth
Two copies of your birth preferences (one for your partner, one for the midwife)
Hospital notes
Movies, playlists or podcasts downloaded to your device for while you wait to be called to theatre
An eye mask to block out bright theatre lights
A dressing gown and sliders for wearing down to theatre
A hairband
A playlist saved for offline use to play your own music in theatre
Calming aromatherapy roll-ons or positive affirmation tracks
"I was nervous for the spinal block so I took a small bunny of my son’s into the theatre with me and focussed on the feeling of the bunny in my hand."
For after the birth
"One thing many mums forget? Enough breast pads and maternity pads," says Midwife Vic. Her other top tip from hours on the delivery ward? "You might love your PJs at home, but after a c-section, a nightgown is often much more comfortable."
Oh, and don't forget the absolute essential: Midwife Vic swears by an extra-long phone charging cable. It might not sound groundbreaking, but when you’re not yet ready to get out of bed post-surgery, it’s a total game-changer for sending updates to the family Whatsapp group.
Next up, pack these:
Loose clothing, such as c-section trousers, that won’t sit on your scar dressing
Several pairs of high-waisted cotton knickers. Low rise underwear may rub your wound
Peppermint herbal tea to help soothe trapped wind, which is common after surgery
Soft bras, including nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed
Comfy, button through sleepwear without waistbands
Socks to keep your feet toasty
Sliders for around your bed, in the shower and shuffling to the hot drinks station
A wash bag of beauty and wellness essentials like lip balm, a toothbrush, hairbrush, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and flannel
Fibre-rich snacks to ease digestion post-birth. Our team loved instant porridge pots or peanut butter sachets and oatcakes
Nipple balm to soothe breastfeeding discomfort
Breast pads to mop up leaky boobs
Sanitary or maternity pads for post-birth bleeding (pack more than you think!)
A towel
Earplugs as postnatal wards can be noisy
Essential medication you usually take, as well as spare glasses or contact lenses if you need them
A notebook might be useful for jotting down questions for doctors or nurses, and capturing the first moments of motherhood
Headphones
Phone and phone charger (an extra-long charging cable or battery pack can be useful)
A spare pillow and pillow case
"I'm so glad I packed my own pillow– it smelled like home, which helped keep me calm"
Trending: Hospital Bag heroes
For going home
Going home after a c-section calls for clothes that are soft, loose, and require zero effort. “A jumpsuit! With no buttons or fastenings to rub, I loved being in a big, cosy onesie after my c-section,” said Lyndsay Mason, founder For The Creators and mum to Hamish. Another told us, “The day after my c-section I was bigger than I’d been at any point during my pregnancy, because of the swelling. Even some of the maternity clothes I’d been wearing were uncomfortable.” Moral of the story? Prioritise stretch, space, and nothing digging in.
What to wear immediately after a c-section
When you're packing your c-section hospital bag, you'll want to think about the clothes you'll be wearing once you're out of your hospital gown. Comfort is key, as is considering some post-op realities.
"Remember you’ll have a catheter for the first 6-24 hours after your c-section. We can absolutely thread the bag down your trouser leg, but lots of women find it easier to manage with a night gown, and then move to pyjama bottoms, jumpsuits or c-section-friendly trousers once it’s removed," says Midwife Vic
"For after your catheter has been removed, you'll want to pack clothes that are light, breathable, soft, and high waisted,' recommends Midwife Vic.
Trending: C-Section recovery outfits
Midwife Vic's top 3 tips
With over a decade of experience as a midwife and educator, Vic is the founder of the award-winning C-Section UK, offering expert-led courses to help you prepare for a safer, more positive caesarean birth. Follow @csectionuk and @midwifevic for trusted advice and support.
Try peppermint gum to manage the potential post-op bowel pain if you don't like peppermint tea.
Consider packing dark coloured clothing in your hospital bag, as you'll be bleeding after the birth.
A huge water bottle is a must, especially if you have laboured and had an unplanned c-section. You are likely to be seriously dehydrated! Be sure to top up on water to support your blood pressure stabilising and your milk-making hormones kicking in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack in my hospital bag for a c-section?
You'll need to pack many of the same things in your hospital bag, whatever type of birth you have. But some items you might want to consider for a c-section delivery are peppermint tea or gum, very high waisted pants that won't rub your wound and c-section-friendly clothes for after the birth. Scroll up for our catch all list.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
There is no perfect time. Some people find it helpful to feel prepared from the start of their third trimester, while the NHS recommends being packed by 37 weeks, when your baby is classified as full term.
How much should I pack in my hospital bag?
Pack as though you're going to be in hospital for two nights. Remember, your birth parter, family or friends can always collect extra supplies and bring them to you after the birth if you end up needing more than you've packed.
I had an emergency c-section – what do I need?
Scan through the list above and put your birthing partner or family to work on collecting the bits you haven't got. The most important items will be comfy loose bottoms, along with high waisted pants to avoid anything rubbing on your scar.
Ellie Walker-Arnott
Ellie is a writer and mum of two. Her work has been published in Time Out, Netmums, CN Traveller, Daily Mail, Metro and more.
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