What to Bring to the Hospital for a Planned C-Section

Personal Care Items

• Pack yourself some of your own toiletries from home. Hospital toiletries are probably nothing like what you are used to using. Also pack your own hairbrush, toothbrush, make-up kit, etc. Again, the hospital can provide these things, but they are not great quality. You may want to consider packing your own sanitary pads because even with a c-section, there will be postpartum bleeding. The hospital provides those as well, but the pads are very large and somewhat uncomfortable.
  A separate bag of toiletries will be helpful for whomever you have staying with you overnight, if anyone. If your partner, friend or family member wants to stay with you, he will need the basics. Pack items like soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and a comb or brush.

Clothing and Bedding

• Hospitals have bedding available, and it is not too uncomfortable, but if you prefer a special blanket or pillow from home, bring it with you. Most hospitals have no problem with allowing you to use your own bedding if it makes you feel more at home.
  Pack a robe and some loose pajamas or sweats for after the delivery. Your incision will be sore, so loose fitting pants will work well. Pack some extra underwear because of the heavy bleeding after birth.
  Pack an outfit for your baby to go home in. Consider the weather, and choose the outfit accordingly. If you are unsure about the weather, pack a few outfits, some hats and blankets.

Other Items

• Pack a camera to document this important occasion. Pack extra batteries, or your camera's charger as well. You may find yourself taking more pictures than you expect. Keep a journal or your baby's baby book to record your thoughts or first reactions to you little one. The memories will be saved for your baby for years to come.
  Bring your cell phone and charger with you as well if you plan to make a lot of calls. Keep a list of people and their phone numbers, so that you don't forget to call anyone when the baby arrives. The birthing process can be exhausting, and the list will also come in handy if you need to ask someone else to make the calls for you.
  Pack a personal DVD player, laptop computer or books to pass time during recovery. The process is exciting, but your baby will probably sleep most of the first few days while you are in the hospital. Small diversions will help reduce your boredom.
  Set your car seat up in your car before leaving for the hospital. Setting the seat up ahead of time will ensure that you work out any kinks before your release from the hospital, and you won't have to worry about your partner or family member possibly forgetting it.