What to Pack for a C-Section

The countdown for Baby #2 is on and I recently packed my hospital bag.  Although I'm scheduled for a c-section, there are still some essentials I want to pack.  I've learned a lot from the last time so I thought I'd pass along my must have hospital items for a c-section.  I can't speak for those who have natural births because their needs and experience are very different but perhaps there is some overlap.  Those of you who've given birth naturally will have to let me know.  

Two weeks before your c-section, if you're anything like me, your nesting instinct will be in full effect and you'll be looking to pack for the hospital.  I spent five days in the hospital last time and I expect something similar this time.  

Sorry if the picture is small, had to post from my phone!

**Warning - some of these items are described in graphic nature so if you're a guy, haven't given birth before, or know me in a way in which you don't need or want to read about my underwear recommendation, then some of this post may make you uncomfortable to say the least.  Join me for the next post why don'tchya?  Consider yourself warned, proceed with caution**

Here is my packing list:

1. {Going home outfit for baby} I pack two onesie pajamas - one in size newborn and one in size 0-3 months.  I have big babies so I'm never sure if the newborn size will fit.  
2. {Swaddling blanket for baby} I pack a small swaddling blanket for the baby in order to swaddle her in the hospital but also for the car ride home to keep her warm.  The hospital where I'm giving birth provides the cutest little pom pom knit hats so I don't bring one of those, but if your hospital doesn't have cute hats you may want to consider bringing your own.  
3. {Going home outfit for me} A loose, cotton dress is ideal after a c-section.  You will not be able to tolerate anything touching your incision for quite a while.  Why add more pain to what already is an extremely painful surgery? Throw on some flip flops and you're on your way home.  (I pack flip flops I can wear in the shower also.  Although I can't usually get up to shower until day three.)
4. {Binder} I got a belly binder when I left the hospital the last time, and although it is somewhat painful and uncomfortable to wear, it does help support you.  Think of it as a girdle-type contraption that sucks you in and keeps everything in place.  The times I didn't wear it I found to be more painful than when I did.  For example, I didn't wear it on the ride home from the hospital and every bump and crack caused me to feel a lot of pain.  I wound up holding my belly all the way home.  
5. {Pads or Depends}  There I said it.  Super awkward and uncomfortable to admit and talk about, but it's true.  Despite not giving natural birth, there is still plenty of bleeding that happens after having a c-section.  The hospital I'm going to provides a limited supply of these and then it is up to you.  Luckily, I had plenty the last time I gave birth, but you will need them when you get home.  For a few weeks.  
6. {Cheap underwear}  I suggest getting loose, cotton underwear.  You will not want anything touching your incision for quite a while.  And considering all the post-partum bleeding that happens, you don't want to ruin your good stuff.  I actually buy men's boxer-briefs.  Comfy and loose, for some reason I feel less embarrassed buying those than granny panties.  Remember that episode of SITC when Carrie wears them? Just tell yourself you look cute like her in them.
7.  {Make-up} Only bring the essentials.  I didn't even shower until day three - and god was it glorious to feel clean and fresh - but I did not have the energy to do more than a little bit.  I was not bronzing, highlighting or contouring - no energy for that.  And if you can be sleeping instead of make-up-ing, why not do the former?
8. {Sleep Mask} For me this is essential.  I normally have a hard time sleeping in anything but complete darkness (at the first sign of dawn without a sleep mask I'm up).  You don't get much sleep in the hospital believe it or not, so the sleep mask helps as you're often sleeping at odd times -including the middle of the day.  Nurses come in to check on you every hour or so, taking your temperature, giving you pills, changing your water, and other things...  Then, nurses come in every two hours with the baby so you can nurse her.  It's kind of exhausting really, and something I didn't expect the first time around.  I figured the week stay in the hospital would be the last good sleep I'd get before baby #1.  Not true.  
9. {Your Pillow}  Nothing is better than the smell and softness of your own pillow.  
10. {Boppy}  A lifesaver.  Hard to get the placement of it right while nursing because of the incision, but definitely necessary to prop the baby up.  I also used it as a pillow when I wasn't nursing.  
11. {Nursing bra}  Although I wore my hospital gown the whole five days I was there, it would've been nice when people came to visit if I had a nursing-friendly bra around.  Lesson learned from last time, that bad boy is definitely coming with me. 
12. {Phone and charger} Gotta be able to call everyone and tell them the good news! And take pics of course. 
13. {Book or magazine}  HA.  I thought I'd have time to read last time.  Nope.  And even when I did all I wanted to do was sleep.  Or see my baby.  Or talk to my husband.  Or eat.  
14. {Snacks}  Because it is hospital food after all...   

You can also check out this list from Baby Center if you need more ideas.  

So for all those mamas-to-be out there I hope this helps and I hope all goes well.  

In a few short hours we will have met our second baby!  I'll keep you posted!!! 💗💗💗