Packing the Perfect Hospital Bag for a C-Section
(The list that actually works when you’re having surgery, not just “pushing”)
A regular hospital bag list is useless when you’re having a C-section.
You’re not walking the halls. You’re not bouncing on a ball. You’re recovering from major abdominal surgery while learning to nurse with an incision that feels like fire.
Here’s what parents who’ve had planned (and surprise) C-sections swear by — and what they wish they’d left at home.
For Mom – The Real Recovery Stuff
- High-waisted, super-soft underwear (Frida Mom or Kindred Bravely — goes above the incision)
- Loose, front-button nightgowns (Kindred Bravely or Ekouaer — no pulling over head)
- Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit (peri bottle, disposable undies, cooling pads)
- Giant overnight pads (Always Radiant or hospital will give you bricks)
- Dermoplast spray + Tucks witch-hazel pads
- Nipple cream (Earth Mama or Lansinoh — nursing hurts more after surgery)
- Nursing pillow (Boppy with the C-section belt or My Brest Friend)
- Long phone charging cord (10 ft Anker)
- Your own pillow (colored case so it doesn’t get lost)
- Stool softener (Colace — take it the second you’re allowed)
- Snacks + reusable water bottle with straw (Yeti or Hydro Flask)
Quick science: C-section moms lose about 1,000 mL of blood on average and have major abdominal trauma. High-waisted, loose clothing reduces pressure on the incision and lowers wound complication risk.
(Source: ACOG Cesarean Birth Guidelines)
“My regular hospital bag had yoga pants. Couldn’t get them over the bandage without crying. Wish someone had told me high-waisted only.”
— Mom in r/CsectionCentral
For Baby (Same as vaginal, but you’ll use even less)
- Going-home outfit × 2
- Swaddle or sleep sack
- Car seat (installed — someone else will carry it)
- Pacifiers × 2
For Partner (They’re doing all the lifting)
- Change of clothes + slippers
- Snacks & coffee money
- Portable charger
- List of who to text when baby arrives (you won’t remember)
Gear That Made a Difference for Parents
- Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit “The disposable undies and cooling pads were the only thing that made day 2 bearable.”
- Boppy with C-section belt (or Twin Z pillow) “Kept baby off my incision while nursing. Lifesaver.”
- Long straw water bottle “Couldn’t sit up to drink for 24 hours. Straw = hydration.”
- Heating pad or rice sock (for shoulder pain from surgery positioning) “Gas pain in shoulders is brutal after C-section. Heat was everything.”
Quick science: Post-C-section gas pain (shoulder tip pain) happens in up to 80 % of moms because CO₂ used in surgery irritates the diaphragm. Heat and walking (when allowed) are the fastest relief.
(Source: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing)
“We brought cute robes and makeup. I lived in the hospital gown for 3 days. Pack for surgery, not Instagram.”
— Mom in r/BabyBumps
What You Can 100 % Skip
- Anything tight around the waist
- Regular leggings or jeans
- Hair dryer/straightener
- Cute going-home outfit for you (nobody cares)
Your C-Section Bag Checklist
- High-waisted soft undies
- Front-button nightgowns
- Frida Mom recovery kit
- Nursing pillow + C-belt
- Long cord + straw bottle
- Stool softener + gas relief
- Partner snacks & charger
You’ve got this.
C-section is major surgery, but you’re still bringing your baby earth-side like a badass.
One slow breath, one gentle cuddle, one incredible recovery at a time. ❤️
