Some of my clients plan a caesarean birth. As a doula and hypnobirthing for caesarean educator, my clients ask me all the time what they should be packing and taking to hospital, sometimes I even go through their bags with them. So I’m writing this blog in an attempt to keep all the information in one place, and give you a resource that you can revisit if you need to.

I recommend starting to pack your bags around 36-37 weeks, that way you are all organised before you start to really slow down and approach your birth. If you have a partner then I recommend having them actually pack the bags, that way they can lay their hands on everything you need without you having to remember where things are.

But what to pack for your caesarean birth and hospital stay? Here’s my recommended list:

Before Your Birth

• Medicare card, hospital records, and insurance information (if you have it)

• Birth preferences and maternity notes

• Entertainment - phone, tablet, laptop, kindle, books, magazines - (you may have to wait past your expected theatre time slot)

• Electronics chargers - make sure your phone charger has an extra long cord!

• Snacks and drinks (for your partner)

• Any photos of family that you want with you

After Your Birth

• Big, high waisted underwear, several pairs

• Maternity pads and adult diapers

• Baby wipes

• Toiletries - toothbrush & paste, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm

• Hair brush, hair ties and clips

• Loose fitting, breastfeeding friendly nightie (a few pairs in case of night sweats)

• Dressing gown

• Headphones

• Eyemask

• Loose fitting clothes

• Drink bottle with bendy straw

• Nursing bras

• Breast pads

• Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs, nipple cream and Silverettes

• Warm socks

• Slip on footwear - slippers and shoes

• Shower shoes eg. thongs

• Fibre rich snacks, to help get things ‘moving’

• Non mint chewing gum, helps with bloating post-surgery

• Bone broth powder (have 2 cups of broth per day)

• Arnica

• Heat pack in case of referred shoulder pain

• Massage ball for neck and shoulders

• A small cushion for bracing against your belly when coughing or moving if it feels helpful

For Baby

• Car seat

• Sleepsuits and singlets

• Nappies, cotton wool, wipes

• Hat

• Jacket (for winter babies)

• Muslin squares/wraps

Whatever you bring to hospital, don’t forget that the most important thing cannot be packed - and that’s the love that you have for each other and your new baby.