I had a C-section so some items will be specific to C-sections, but hopefully it will help with general postpartum
I delivered at Hackensack Hospital in New Jersey so some information might be specific to my hospital, but hopefully it will help with things to keep in mind.
Hospital bag packing list:
- Loose clothing for when you are discharged
- Comfortable pajamas or robes; the hospital has robes that you can wear and change out of daily. I understand how some people would find comfort in wearing something nice, soft, and comfortable when you’re in so much pain. Here’s a robe I considered getting:
- Slip-on slippers to wear at the hospital. especially if you plan to shower
- Toiletries; the hospital is not a hotel so bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, preferred hair products, moisturizers
- Lip balm! I desperately wished I had brought one, which I forgot. Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick, Lip Protectant, Moisturizing Lip Balm Multipack, 0.17 Oz, 2 Pack
- Comfortable pillow for both you and your partner to get better quality sleep; the best sleep you can while the nurses wake you up to give you your much needed meds
- Healthier snacks that are easy to eat and healthy and nutritious; Once you get your epidural, you cannot eat so try to eat or at least snack beforehand if you are not contracting or if the pain is bearable. I prepared the following items:
- Bananas; Organic Banana Bunch
- Apple
- Protein granola bars; I like various kinds:
- Trail mix; Nature’s Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Pack – 28.8 oz
- Greek yogurt cups; I like Chobani® Low-Fat Greek Yogurt Coffee Blended 5.3oz
- String cheese; I eat any brand but this one I’ve ordered the most Frigo® Cheese Heads® Whole Milk String Cheese 10 oz, 12 Count Bag
- Other snacks I would recommend that I wished I had:
- Dates (for constipation, if you struggle with it)
- Dried figs (for constipation, if you struggle with it)
- Coconut water (helps with hydration and milk production); Vita Coco Coconut Water, Pure Organic | Refreshing Coconut Taste | Natural Electrolytes | Vital Nutrients | 11.1 Oz (Pack Of 12) – good for post partum
- Long phone charger cable
- This is what I ordered and use for my iPhone 16 currently: sweguard USB Type C Charger Cable [3-Pack,10ft+6.6ft+3.3ft] iPhone 15 Charger Nylon Braided Cord for iPhone 15 Pro Max Samsung Galaxy S23 S22 S21 S20 S10 S9 Note 20 10 Flip A53 A54 Pixel LG Moto PS5
- Breastfeeding/pumping stuff:
- I used nipple cream everyday as I was first starting to breastfeed
- Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter™ | Nipple Cream Safe for Breastfeeding | Postpartum Essentials for Nursing | Non Lanolin Nipple Cream, 2-Fluid Ounce; I used this on my lips too because I was desperate without lip balm at the hospital
- Organic Nipple Cream, Nipple Crack Lanolin Free Nipple Butter, Balm for Breastfeeding Mother, No Need to Wash Off, Safe for Baby and Mama
- Nursing/pumping bra
- Nipple covers came in so handy once I started breastfeeding because your nipples are so raw from the baby sucking on it. My mom friend saved me with this SILVERETTE The Original Silver Nursing Cups, Nipple Covers for Breastfeeding, Regular
- I used nipple cream everyday as I was first starting to breastfeed
Things to prepare for home post surgery:
- Disposable, postpartum mesh underwear for when you get home from hospital. I did not wear real underwear for at least 3 weeks. I would have worn it for longer, but I didn’t think to order more in my sleep deprived state.
- Hospital provides disposable, breathable underwear that you can change into every day. It is similar to this Disposable, Postpartum and Incontinence Mesh Underwear, which I would recommend getting for when you return home
- Pick up painkiller prescription from local pharmacy; usually ibuprofen or Tylenol, which you will most likely be taking at the hospital
- Your recovery area and necessary items like phone w. charger, water, medication, snacks, pumps, etc. Getting up will be painful so you will want essentials within your reach.
- I used the hospital’s perineal cooling pads for a while and stopped. I didn’t think the hospital’s was as effective. Here is one I found online that might be good: Perineal Cooling Pad, Postpartum Cold Packs Gel Bead Ice Pack Cold Therapy for Women After Pregnancy and Delivery, 2 Ice Pack and 2 Cover (Blue)
- This is what they had the hospital. I used these wipes every time I went to the bathroom while I couldn’t use toilet paper. Medline ReadyBath LUXE Antibacterial Extra Thick Adult Bath Wipes (8 Wipes), Unscented, No Rinse Formula with Aloe, Shower Wipes for Sensitive Skin, Hypoallergenic & Alcohol-Free, 8 x 8 Inch
During hospital stay
- Abdominal binder was provided at my hospital; I used it for all of one day when I was in too much pain. However, wearing it also made the incision/stitches hurt more depending on the position I was in so you may or may not use it; good for post surgery, not just a c-section – NYOrtho Abdominal Binder Lower Waist Support Belt – Postpartum Belly Band – Compression Wrap for Men and Women MADE IN USA (30″ – 45″) 3 Panel – 9″
- Hydrate; water with ice is provided by the hospital in a bucket, but your personal water bottle with a straw will come in extremely handy. I used my own heavy water bottle, but I would have gotten one of these “disposable” bottles instead upon reading their reviews:
- Vakly Hospital Carafe Insulated Double-Walled Water Bottle Thermos – 32 oz capacity (Graduated up to 28 oz) Hot and Cold Refillable – With Flexible Straw and Pouring/Sipping Spout (32 OZ)
- Plum Hill Drink More Water Plastic Tracking Hospital Mug With Measurements, Water Cup with Straw, 32 Oz Hospital Cup with Lid and Straw, Hospital Water Bottle with Straw
- I didn’t pack one, but may be helpful to have a bluetooth speaker; I have used JBL Go 3 – Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker, big audio and punchy bass, IP67 waterproof and dustproof, 5 hours of playtime, speaker for home, outdoor and travel (Black)
- My hospital food phone line had a long queue during peak meal times. So I tried calling in very early once to get my order in, but I still ended getting my meal with everyone else in the wing so no need to try that.
- Your partner may want to check out the hospital cafeteria to get food or finding food around the area like my husband did. He had Popeyes 3 times during our stay!
- Alternating Motrin every 6 hours and Tylenol another 6 hours (three hours apart); eventually when you’re starting to feel better (closer to your discharge date), I had to ask for Tylenol or Motrin instead of the nurse just giving it to you every 6 hours. I believe the thought is that you’re healing and won’t need as many doses
- I used these exact hospital wipes daily even though I showered too. You may or may not shower at the hospital depending on how you feel: Medline ReadyBath LUXE Antibacterial Extra Thick Adult Bath Wipes (8 Wipes), Unscented, No Rinse Formula with Aloe, Shower Wipes for Sensitive Skin, Hypoallergenic & Alcohol-Free, 8 x 8 Inch
- I used the hospital’s perineal cooling pads for a while and stopped. It was helpful immediately after surgery, I didn’t think it was as effective after some time because it got warm quickly, but some people love it. Here is one I found online that might be good: Perineal Cooling Pad, Postpartum Cold Packs Gel Bead Ice Pack Cold Therapy for Women After Pregnancy and Delivery, 2 Ice Pack and 2 Cover (Blue)
- I used this bottle for every bathroom visit: Perineal Lavette Irrigation Bottle for Postpartum Care – After-Birth Essentials for Mom to Soothe and Clean Perineal Area – Premium Portable Bidet for Women – 8OZ (Pack of 2)
The wonderful hospital staff packed me extra of the every day items like wipes (so nice of them!), underwear, and cooling packs for when I got discharged. I still needed extra supplies like the mesh underwear after I used the hospital supply.
Hey, New Mom! 