What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a C-Section

Are you expecting a baby soon? If so, your list of tasks to check off before your little bundle of joy arrives is probably long already, but you don’t want to forget the one to-do that often falls to the back burner: packing your hospital bag. Knowing what to pack specifically for a cesarean section can be pretty daunting, as it’s considered a major surgery. You’ll need to be mindful of your incision site and bring comfort items to have after your procedure. So, let’s take a look at items that are essential to bring in your hospital bag for a C-section.

What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a C-Section

Here’s what I’d recommend any C-section mama have in her hospital bag:

1. Comfy Clothing

I recommend packing a cardigan, robe, nursing tank, and pair of slippers or grippy socks. While there’s a good chance you’ll be in your hospital gown for a good chunk of your stay, you’ll want those essentials on hand for getting up and about, snuggling with your little one, and nursing if you choose to. You can also save on space by forgoing your favorite underwear. Your nurses will provide plenty of the good ol’ mesh ones. They’ll probably even have grippy socks available if you forget yours. Read our guide for what to wear at a hospital birth to find some great options!

Collage of womens loungewear: pink slippers, gray robe perfect for a c-section hospital bag, woman in a black tank top, cream cardigan with matching pants, and novelty socks with if you can read this and rub my feet printed on them.

2. A Few Toiletries

You’ll likely have some time to pass before you can get up and walk to the restroom, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel like you’ve been in bed your entire stay. Makeup wipes, deodorant, moisturizer, and lip balm can make you feel much more human after welcoming your tiny human. We recommend bringing these in a toiletry bag that comes with a hook attached so you can easily hang it.

Packing only the essentials will save room for hospital food trays and giant water jugs. So, decide what toiletries you need and what can wait until you return home. Of course, don’t feel guilty if some mascara and blush will make you feel more camera-ready for those birth announcements and mom-and-baby shots. Otherwise, less is more here!

A collection of personal care products for your c-section hospital bag: a pink hanging toiletry bag, Cliganic organic lip balms, CeraVe moisturizing cream, Neutrogena makeup remover wipes, and Native lavender and rose deodorant.

3. A Belly Binder

Many hospitals offer basic belly binders for C-sections, but lots of mamas prefer sporting their own higher-quality binders. These are crucial for post-surgery support, comfort, and healing, and you can wear them well into the weeks following your delivery.¹ Whether you pack your own or use the hospital’s, ask a nurse if you’re unsure whether you’re wearing your belly binder properly. A snug fit is a key to reaping the benefits.

A person wearing a gray postnatal recovery and support belly band over a dark sports bra and pants stands beside the packaging box, a perfect addition to any c-section hospital bag. The band is being adjusted with a strap, while the box displays an image of the product in use. — Read our review of Mamaway’s belly band

4. A Good Pillow

Hospital beds aren’t the most comfortable, especially after a C-section. And hospital pillows are no exception. They’re very thin and are in high demand. You can expect to get two or maybe three pillows (which you’ll need to share with your partner) in your room. Bringing your own pillow will help you feel more comfortable as you rest and recover in bed post-surgery. (Note: It’s best to bring a pillow that isn’t white so that yours doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital pillows.)

It can also be helpful to have a body pillow like one of these:

Many new mothers also recommend bringing a Boppy pillow, their maternity pillow, a pillow wedge, or another pillow from home that can prop up their baby closer to their breast and keep baby off their incision. Babies can kick and wiggle, and your incision site is the last place you want to be jabbed after birth. This extra pillow can also be helpful for applying pressure on your abdomen when you need to cough, sneeze, or laugh.²

A pregnant woman sits smiling, hugging a long, pink maternity pillow. Beside her is a U-shaped pillow with a leaf pattern and a wedge covered in gray fabric—essential comforts for her c-section hospital bag. She wears a light cardigan and white top.

5. A Fan and Blanket for Your Comfort

There are some side effects that mothers may experience after a C-section, like itching and feeling overheated or freezing cold due to big postpartum hormonal changes.^3,4,5 You can ask for some medication to help with the itching, but in case you experience chills, I recommend bringing a cozy blanket if you’re particular about your comfort. The hospital does have blankets they can put in the warmer, but some women prefer their own blankets from home. And if you feel overheated, a portable fan is extremely helpful.

collage showing a beige leopard-print blanket on the left and a black portable fan on the right

6. Your Favorite Snacks

Regardless of the mode of delivery, giving birth is exhausting. With a whole new human to care for, you’ll need to be eating enough to quickly get your more-precious-than-ever energy back. And let’s face it, hospital food isn’t always the most appealing. Bring a few favorite snacks if you want something beyond the cafeteria’s food. If you plan to breastfeed, give yourself a head start with lactation snacks. You can’t go wrong with tasty options like cookies, bars, and even granola made specifically for milk-making moms.

Staying hydrated is also important. If you get tired of plain water, consider other drink options that can help with lactation, such as lactation-support electrolyte drinks.

Collage of lactation products perfect for your c-section hospital bag, featuring a 12-pack of strawberry lemonade hydration drinks, lactation granola with cow design, Boobie Bar Milk to the Max chocolate chip bars, and a box of caramel-flavored lactation cookie bites.

7. Rinse-Free Body Wipes

Following your C-section, you’ll want to freshen up from all your body has been through. You might not want (or be able) to go through the hassle of getting in and out of the shower. Rinse-free body wipes are like a ready-to-go sponge bath, and they’re a must for your hospital bag. Keep a pack of these at home for your early postpartum days as well. The thought of getting back to your shower might seem appealing, but you’ll appreciate having a more convenient option between caring for a newborn and yourself!

The image showcases a package of Scrubzz Rinse-Free Bath Sponges, perfect for a c-section hospital bag. The primarily white and blue packaging emphasizes the soap and shampoo-infused sponges. Simply add water, lather, and towel dry for fresh cleanliness without hassle.

8. A Comfortable, Breathable Outfit To Go Home In

Your incision area will be sore for a bit, so ensure nothing is pressing directly on it that could increase that friction.^2,6 Loose drawstring sweats or joggers, a flowy dress with high-waisted bike shorts underneath (like these or these), or maternity leggings (like these high-waisted leggings) are all safe bets. And don’t forget your feet! They might be a bit swollen (and difficult to reach) in the days following your C-section.⁷ So, you’ll want something roomy and easy to slip on, like a simple pair of slides or flip-flops.

A carefully curated c-section hospital bag essential: black leggings, black shorts, gray joggers, a sleeveless rust-colored top, plus a blue floral dress. Complete the ensemble with white sandals, white flip-flops, and a pair of comfy gray sneakers.

9. Something Special for Baby To Wear Home

A cute coming-home outfit for baby (and maybe a couple of bodysuits) is really all you need to bring for your newborn. Seriously, that’s it. Newborn diapers, wipes, and swaddle blankets will await in abundance in your post-delivery room. You’ll have plenty of time to play dress-up with your newest addition at home, so save yourself the trouble of toting 10 outfits to the hospital and back. Here are some cozy ideas for your newborn’s coming-home outfit:

And those newborn essentials that await you in your hospital room? Toss them all in your bag before you get discharged. They’re yours to keep for your baby!

Assorted baby clothing perfect for a c-section hospital bag, laid out against a white background, including floral and solid-colored onesies, matching hats, and a white bodysuit with small patterns. Items feature different designs like buttons and knotted fabric.

10. Extra Kindness and Grace for Yourself 😉

Welcoming a baby into the world via C-section is no small feat. It’s major surgery, after all, and recovery after a C-section calls for you to go easy on yourself. So, be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time. Self-love has never been more important!

A newborn baby wearing a knitted cap rests on a womans chest, both swaddled in a white blanket. The woman, covered with a blue surgical drape and surrounded by medical wires, lies in what seems to be the calm aftermath of unpacking her c-section hospital bag.

The Bottom Line

Packing a hospital bag for your C-section doesn’t have to be guesswork. Whether you’re scheduled for a C-section or simply preparing for the possibility of needing one, we hope this list will help you feel more prepared for the big day. For more tips on what to pack, check out our ultimate hospital bag checklist!