5 Things I Wish I Brought to My Emergency C-Section
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When I found out I was pregnant in December 2021, my type-A brain immediately started making lists - potential names. House projects. Registry gifts. Postpartum meal prep. Hospital bag packing.
I knew I had 9 months to prepare myself for one of the biggest changes of my life. My husband and I scoured Tik Tok videos, Instagram reels, and Reddit posts for tips on nesting, freezable recipes, best prenatal vitamins, and the most highly-rated strollers. Truly, I thought I had it together. I felt ready, and I was! At 39 weeks and 4 days of pregnancy, the car seat was ready to carry our baby girl home, and her crib was lined with a brand new sheet. I had a year’s worth of clothing and diapers. We had toys. Books. Rattles. We each had a suitcase in the trunk of our car with our hospital essentials. We had pumpkin chili and lasagna in the freezer. We were READY.
Fast forward - After 24 hours of labor with only 6 centimeters of dilation, honestly, I was tired. There was no end in sight and I couldn’t fathom having to push. My energy was gone. Our doctor suggested a c-section, and we decided it was the right move. A few short hours later, I had my healthy, 9-pound baby girl in my arms.
Once I was allowed to change from a hospital gown into normal clothes, I realized that I had packed for a natural birth, not a c-section - of course, because a natural birth was the original plan! I only had one pair of pants that was high-waisted enough to be comfortable - and I wore those every day for the 3 days we were at the hospital. Aside from the pants, there were a few other items that I’ve jotted down that would make my next c-section recovery go a little smoother - and I’ve decided to share them with you!
This is not a complete hospital packing list; these are simply a few items that I plan to bring with me when baby #2 comes along. Most of these items can be great for a natural birth, too!
5 Things I Wish I Had for My Emergency C-Section
1. High-waisted underwear
One thing I realized quickly was how gentle I needed to be with my lower mid-section after such a major abdominal surgery. Another thing I realized was that hospital underwear is see-through (and honestly, more than a little humiliating). These are so comfortable, hold everything in place (hi, postpartum belly), and I still secretly wear them almost 2 years postpartum. They are easily my favorite item on this list.
2. High-waisted loungewear set
Before my daughter was born, I was really excited to get out of maternity clothes. I knew I’d be home from work for a few months, so comfortable loungewear was the way to go. Luckily, the sets I chose were high-waisted, perfect for my c-section recovery. I only wish I had actually brought them to the hospital with me!
3. Gua sha and jade roller set
I don’t know about anyone else, but I was extremely swollen for at least a week after the birth, especially in my face. I’ve recently discovered gua sha and jade roller sets are super helpful with lymph drainage (and they feel SO GOOD, especially if you keep them cold in the fridge!). Use it with your favorite moisturizer or face oil (I like this one). This is something I’ll definitely be popping in my hospital bag next time.
5. Shower wipes
If there is any acceptable time to use a big ol’ wipe from head to toe in lieu of an actual shower, it’s after your c-section.
So, whether you are about to have your first baby or your tenth, I hope these items help you feel a little more prepared for what is to come. You got this, mama!
*Check with your doctor before taking any medications postpartum.