Hospital Bag Must-Haves for C-Section Mamas

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I recently asked my Facebook friends for their best hospital packing advice and I got the greatest responses!

But this one was definitely everyone’s favorite…

Child #1: a new nightgown and a robe, slippers, matching outfits for me & baby, all the baby products in the market, books & magazines, make up, hair products, an exercise ball, nursing pillow. Child #2: an outfit for the baby (wrong size), black underwear, phone + charger, nipple cream, toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant. Child #3: ID & insurance card.

Haha!  Such truth there!!!

Except with our Child #3, I actually feel like I am doing things backwards!

I honestly don’t remember a lot of the details surrounding Noah and Jethro’s C-sections.  For Noah’s, I was so busy mourning the loss of that perfect natural birth and everything happened so quickly that I didn’t think too much about what to pack.  Then with all the crazy that happened after Jethro’s birth, what was packed in my bag did not matter to me one bit.

But this third baby feels different – like I want to be more intentional and thoughtful.  Not because I feel a need to be “Pinterest perfect”, but because I want to honor the gift that is this baby.  I missed out on doing that the other 2 times because I was a tangled mess of anxiety, fear, and disappointment.

Thank God for the grace He showed me in my weakness(es), but now I want to put some of the things I learned from those seasons into action by walking in praise, thanksgiving, and purpose (even if I end up in the hospital gown the whole time and especially if/when *ha!* things don’t go as expected!).

Does that make sense?

It feels a little silly, but even something like prepping a hospital bag seems like a precious gift and act of worship that I don’t want to miss!

With all that said, here is what I am packing!

The Bag

I saw THIS BAG and bought it immediately because I have all the love for black and white stripes.  It is everything I expected AND MORE.  HERE is a similar bag that is less expensive and has great reviews.

Robe

I have never really been a robe person, but THIS ONE from Pink Blush Maternity has totally changed my mind!  Robes really are a great option for throwing on over pajamas when visitors come to the hospital.  I feel like this robe will help me feel glamorous to combat the reality that I will actually feel like I just birthed a watermelon.  I also have my eye on THIS ROBE from Kindred Bravely.

Nursing Pajamas

One of my sweet friends was wearing THESE PAJAMAS after she gave birth and she looked like a million bucks.  I was like WHERE DO I BUY THIS MAGICAL SLEEPWEAR?!  They are nursing friendly and allow for easy access to the lower body parts that need all the support during your hospital stay.  I also got a set of THESE to go under my robe and they are so good.

Nursing Tanks

I am on the quest for the perfect nursing tank.  So far, I have tried THESE, THIS, and THESE.  They are all great.

Undercover Mama House Dress

You guys.  Want to wear a muumuu that is actually ADORABLE and flattering and modest and nursing-friendly AND so so comfortable?!  Enter the Undercover Mama House Dress!  I am in LOVE with these dresses (^^I am wearing it in this post ^^)!  I want to buy one in every color.  They are made out of high-quality fabric and can work for pregnancy, nursing, and beyond.  They are perfect for hanging around the house, but then you can go out and still look super cute!  Also they will help with C-section incision issues by not hugging that area too closely.  Undercover Mama also sells nursing tanks and nursing-friendly tops that are all stylish and solve the basic challenge of what to wear in that season of feeding baby.

Lounge Pants

I want to have at least one pair of pants while at the hospital even though I know a C-section incision isn’t the most accommodating of pants.  These high-waisted loungers, however, sit right above the incision and are insanely soft!

Nursing Bras

I bought THESE sleepwear nursing bras and LOVE THEM.  I also got THESE for the daytime and they are super comfortable.  Remember, the key with nursing bras is no underwires!  Keep your tatas nice and free so that they can produce what they need to produce!

Mesh Underwear

So I bought these for when we get home from the hospital because I fully plan on seeing how many of the hospital ones I can acquire while there.  Mesh underwear was CRITICAL to my physical and emotional health after my surgeries.  I am not even kidding about this.  Trust me.  INVEST.  Or make friends with the nurses and see how many they can get for you.  😉

Two other options – I also came across THESE PANTIES that were specifically designed for C-section recovery.  And I have had several women swear by the magic of these Depend Silhouette for Women Adult Diapers.  For more on Postpartum recovery options, check out THIS POST.

Flip Flops

Hospital floors see a lot of “action”, so make sure you have a simple pair of flip flops to wear around the place.  I love the ones from Old Navy.

Cozy Socks

I always get cold in the hospital!  Having something soft and cozy on my feet will be such a comfort!  The hospital often supplies warm socks, but you can buy special labor and delivery ones HERE and super soft ones like THESE.

Toiletries

• Soap << my favorite right now is the Blackberry!
• Dry Shampoo – THIS ONE is my favorite.  Dry shampoo has changed my life for the better.
• Shampoo/conditioner – My hairdresser told me to start using THIS SHAMPOO and CONDITIONER and I absolutely love them.
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Contacts/contact solution/glasses
• Brush (just discovered THIS ONE and GAME-CHANGER!)
• Hair ties (THESE are MIRACULOUS)
• Flat Iron
• Deodorant
• Face Wipes – it will be hard for me to get around at first, so I am thinking these face wipes will be a life-saver when I start feeling grimey and don’t want to lean over a sink.
• Lotion
• Chapstick (This was probably the MOST mentioned item on my Facebook page!  I remember a sweet friend bringing me chapstick in the hospital after I had Jethro and it was like the greatest gift everrrr.)

5-Minute Make-Up Routine

Check out my easy make-up routine HERE!  Also, I am packing THIS mascara – current obsession.

First Photo Outfit for Baby

I wanted a cute outfit for baby Z to wear for his first photo!  My dear friend Stephanie got us the sweetest little knotted gown and cap from KB Cute Designs.  I cannot wait to see him wearing it!

Letter Board

These are such a trendy way to announce your baby’s birthday and stats.  You can find an affordable and well-made letter board HERE.  I am also considering joining the Hello Sticker trend I have been seeing on birth announcements.

Halo SleepSack Swaddle

I have no idea how to swaddle a baby.  I am glad super smart people made THIS for people like me.

Going Home Outfit for Baby

I just discovered this sweet little shop called Little Arrows and they have this onesie that I am dyyyying over.  It says “Gimme Jesus.”  I cannot even handle it!!  I hope they restock it before baby gets here because I want our boy declaring that truth every second of his life. <3

Going Home Outfit for Mom

I always look about 6 months pregnant after my babies come out, so I want to pack a going home outfit that will be comfortable, loose, and cute!  I think I will be wearing my black maternity leggings, a nursing tank, THIS HEAVENLY CARDIGAN, and THESE sneakers that I love.  OR I will wear THIS AMAZING JUMPSUIT THAT IS UNDER $20 with a Nursing Tank and Cardigan.

Belly Bandit

Speaking of looking about 6 months pregnant AFTER being pregnant – a friend recommended that I get a Belly Bandit to help provide belly support and compression after my surgery.  She specifically called out the Belly Bandits made out of bamboo for all the C-section ladies because they are apparently the softest!

Snacks

I am already anxious that I cannot eat the day of my surgery haha!  I have developed quite a dependency on food this pregnancy, so I am eager to get snacking again once I am given the green light.  I remember that nursing gives you an appetite that is equivalent to a brontosaurus’.  I love THESE Kind Fruit Snacks right now and THESE Kind Cereal Bars and I love all nuts and Dried Mango is my jam.

Phone/Charger

This is a no brainer.  Also can’t forget the Extra Long Cell Phone Charger.

Camera

I need the good Camera so that I can blow up your newsfeeds with really awesome photos of the baby. 🙂

Bible

THIS Bible is my absolute favorite.  Someone on Facebook suggested having a nurse put a footprint of your baby next to a verse you have chosen for your child. <3

Finally, the last thing I am going to pack is a heart that is fully surrendered to whatever the Lord wants for this precious child.  If God allows us to walk a similar journey to Jet’s, I will not fear.  This time, I will TRUST from the beginning that He is faithful and good.

What am I forgetting? 🙂

Joyfully,

Julie

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9