The decision to have a C-Section may feel overwhelming and leave you uncertain about how to prepare for the day of surgery. In many cases, you may not even have a choice. Whether your c-section was planned or unexpected, going through a major surgery to deliver your baby is a big deal that many parents are understandably anxious about. Every mom who delivers their baby via c-section creates their unique birth story compiled of their own feelings and experiences. We hope that being prepared for what to pack in your hospital bag and what to have on hand at home may help ease the anxiety that accompanies such a significant life experience as birth and introducing a new family member into the world. You can’t control many things about your birth story, but you can control how prepared you are.
What should you pack in your hospital bag for c-section preparation?
A book or quiet activity
If you have a scheduled c-section, there may be times during pre-op when you have downtime. Consider bringing items that will keep you occupied during this time. For example, you may be nervous or excited for surgery, and distractions are helpful.
A hair brush and hair ties
Many hospitals do not provide haircare products such as hair brushes or hair ties. Pack any daily hair products important to you in your hospital bag.
Compression socks
Belly Bandit® compression socks help alleviate swelling in the feet and legs. These socks feature 15-20 mmhg of gentle compression to promote blood flow and circulation. After a c-section, proper blood circulation is important to help reduce abdomen swelling and blood clot risk in the legs and ankles. Compression socks are great before, during, and after pregnancy as well. In addition, our compression socks are so popular that you may be eligible through your insurance for reimbursement. Check out our website to learn how to file a claim.
Lip balm
The hospital air is dry and may cause you to develop chapped lips. Pack your favorite moisturizing lip balm in case you need it.
Charging cables
You may be at the hospital for more than one day. It may be helpful to pack charging cables in case your phone or video camera dies. Hospitals do not always have a USB port to plug your phone cable into, so bring the USB wall plug. Pro tip: get an extra long cord in case the outlet is far from your hospital bed.
Comfortable clothing you love
Many women think that because they have a c-section, they won't experience any vaginal bleeding after birth. However, you still experience the same amount of bleeding as your uterus shrinks back to normal. Therefore, you will want to wear loose-fitting pants around your abdomen to avoid any pressure or rubbing against your incision site. In addition, the hospital may provide you with mesh underwear. However, it may be helpful to pack high-waisted underwear that reaches above your incision. Finally, any nursing-friendly top will help you stay warm in the cold hospital, so you may discreetly nurse while not needing to remove any articles of clothing.
Glasses
There are times, such as during surgery, when you are not able to wear contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, plan on bringing a contact case, contact solution, and a pair of glasses.
What to Pack for C-Section Recovery
C-Section Recovery Kit
The Essential and Deluxe Recovery Kits have everything you need to support your recovery - from the Luxe Postpartum Belly Wrap to scar defense, socks, and toiletry bag, having these essentials on hand will help make your recovery journey smoother!
A book or quiet activity
If you have a scheduled c-section, there may be times during pre-op when you have downtime. Consider bringing items that will keep you occupied during this time. For example, you may be nervous or excited for surgery, and distractions are helpful.
A hair brush and hair ties
Many hospitals do not provide haircare products such as hair brushes or hair ties. Pack any daily hair products important to you in your hospital bag.
Compression socks
Belly Bandit® compression socks help alleviate swelling in the feet and legs. These socks feature 15-20 mmhg of gentle compression to promote blood flow and circulation. After a c-section, proper blood circulation is important to help reduce abdomen swelling and blood clot risk in the legs and ankles. Compression socks are great before, during, and after pregnancy as well. In addition, our compression socks are so popular that you may be eligible through your insurance for reimbursement. Check out our website to learn how to file a claim.
Lip balm
The hospital air is dry and may cause you to develop chapped lips. Pack your favorite moisturizing lip balm in case you need it.
Charging cables
You may be at the hospital for more than one day. It may be helpful to pack charging cables in case your phone or video camera dies. Hospitals do not always have a USB port to plug your phone cable into, so bring the USB wall plug. Pro tip: get an extra long cord in case the outlet is far from your hospital bed.
Comfortable clothing you love
Many women think that because they have a c-section, they won't experience any vaginal bleeding after birth. However, you still experience the same amount of bleeding as your uterus shrinks back to normal. Therefore, you will want to wear loose-fitting pants around your abdomen to avoid any pressure or rubbing against your incision site. In addition, the hospital may provide you with mesh underwear. However, it may be helpful to pack high-waisted underwear that reaches above your incision. Finally, any nursing-friendly top will help you stay warm in the cold hospital, so you may discreetly nurse while not needing to remove any articles of clothing.
Glasses
There are times, such as during surgery, when you are not able to wear contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, plan on bringing a contact case, contact solution, and a pair of glasses.
Why shop Belly Bandit® for your c-section recovery needs?
Belly Bandit® provides a customized experience for all your maternity and postpartum needs. Here at Belly Bandit®, we recognize that every pregnancy and delivery is unique, and your care and needs are individual to your experience. Deciding between you and your doctor to have a cesarean section may feel overwhelming and cause uncertainty on how to prepare for the day of surgery and aftercare. So we took the guesswork out of aftercare for surgery and created an entire line for post-c-section care, from underwear to belly wraps.
