Okay, so I’ll admit it-I’m an over-preparer. Anxiety does that to me. And when it comes to having a baby (again), I’m packing like a mom who’s been through it before and like someone who thrives on having every possible thing just in case. Yes, even a personal fan made the cut.
This is my second time packing a hospital bag for labor and delivery, and while I definitely learned what I didn’t need the first time, I also learned what gave me comfort and peace of mind—whether I used it or not.
So if you’re looking for a hospital bag checklist for second-time moms, you’re in the right place.
In this post, I’m sharing exactly what’s going in my hospital bag for baby #2- essentials, comfort items, and a few “just in case” things that help keep my mind at ease.
What I’m Packing in My Hospital Bag This Time (Round 2 Checklist)
Spoiler alert: yes, I’m packing a fan. No, I will not be taking chances. This is my second rodeo and while I’ve learned what I actually need, I’ve also learned what brings me peace in a hectic, anxiety-provoking experience.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Second-Time Moms (C-Section Edition)
Let me just say… having major abdominal surgery and trying to look like a functioning human is a challenge. These are the things that made me feel even slightly more human, a little more comfortable, and a lot more like I had some control over the chaos.
And just a heads-up: I don’t make any commission from the links in this post (yet! hello, Amazon 👀). These are simply products I’ve personally used and loved, shared here in case they help make your experience a little easier too.
- Labor gown – This was hands-down my MVP item from my first labor bag. Hospital gowns are stiff, scratchy, and somehow always manage to flash half the floor. This one? Soft, cozy, and thoughtfully designed with snaps for easy access—whether it’s bloodwork, nursing, or skin-to-skin time. 10/10 bringing it again.
- Adult diapers – You know those giant mesh undies with the massive pads the hospital gives you? Yeah… not exactly comfortable or secure. I found adult diapers way more reliable and way less messy. They stay put, offer more coverage, and give you one less thing to worry about during postpartum recovery.
- Postpartum abdominal binder – I can’t vouch for this exact binder yet—my first one was hospital-issued. But this time, I’m bringing my own just in case. My binder last time? Lifesaver. Without it, I felt like my insides were going to fall out. Not all hospitals provide them, so pack one if you’re preparing for a c-section, or just want to be prepared in case your birth plan decides to go rogue.
- Personal fan – After multiple trips to L&D (thanks, high blood pressure), I realized getting too warm spiked my anxiety. Cue panic attacks. Enter: personal fan. I use a stroller fan that stands like a tripod on the hospital table. Game changer. And once I’m done being a human furnace, it’ll go right on Hunter’s stroller.
- Personal items – Okay, obviously I’m not about to link you to a deodorant—that would be weird. 😅 But don’t forget your everyday personal stuff! Think: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, contacts or glasses, face wipes, mouthwash, dry shampoo, deodorant, hair ties(you’ll want a million). Basically, anything you use daily—pack it. Hospital brain is real, and you do not want to be stuck without the basics.
- Travel size toiletries – If you’re lucky, you’ll get to shower in the hospital. I wasn’t that lucky—thanks to COVID rules and the fact that I couldn’t even bathe myself. 😅 So this time, I’m not taking any chances. Dry shampoo is definitely going in my labor bag. Pro tip: travel-sized toiletries are way easier to pack and way less likely to leak all over your stuff. Learn from my past chaos, friend.
- Extra long phone charger – One more thing I totally overlooked in my first labor bag: a long phone charger. And of course, the outlet was clear across the room. Thanks to COVID rules, I was solo most of the time in recovery—once my husband left for the day (shoutout to Tober 🐶, who needs his epilepsy meds), he couldn’t come back. So there I was, freshly sliced open, dragging myself across the room just to charge my phone—aka my only source of entertainment. Don’t be like me. Pack the long charger.
- Breast pump – The hospital will give you a breast pump if you need one, but it might be helpful to bring your own so they can show you how to use it and make sure your flanges actually fit right. That’s if you’re planning to breastfeed—zero judgment either way. I breastfed and pumped with my first, but for my own mental health, I’m going with formula this time around. You do what’s best for you and your baby. 💛
- The right bras – If you’re planning to breastfeed, comfy and supportive nursing bras are a must. If you’re not breastfeeding, you’ll want snug sports bras to help with support and drying things up. Like I said, I breastfed and pumped with my first, so this whole not breastfeeding thing is new territory for me—I’ll definitely update on the bra situation after my c-section!
- Loose high-waisted pants – There’s nothing quite like having a fresh incision right at waistband level—ouch. That area is so sensitive, and the tiniest rub feels like setting your whole abdomen on fire. These pants? Total post-c-section lifesavers. Soft, high-waisted, and they don’t mess with your incision. 10/10 would live in them.
- Grippy socks – Don’t sleep on the grippy socks, friend. The hospital will give you a pair, but they’re usually… not cute. And if you’re like me – you’ll swell so much that they physically have to cut slits in the sides of the ‘one size fits all’ socks 😂. Bring your own cozy, non-slip ones so you’re not sliding around every time you get up to shuffle to the bathroom like a postpartum penguin. Trust me, those little rubber grips feel like a luxury when you’re trying to stay upright with a numb belly and an IV pole.
- Oversized shoes – Don’t forget to pack some oversized or super stretchy shoes. Your feet might be next level swollen after birth (thanks, fluids), and squeezing into your usual shoes just isn’t happening. I’m talking feet so puffy they could star in their own spin-off series. Slides, slippers, or anything you can just shove your feet into without bending over? Gold. Bonus if they’re non-slip, because again—IV pole, numb belly, postpartum shuffle.
- Nipple pads – Even if you’re not planning to breastfeed, nipple pads are a solid “just in case” item. Your milk might still come in, and surprise—leaking is very real. Nothing like soaking through your shirt at the worst possible time. Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or drying up, having a few nipple pads on hand can save you from an awkward hospital hallway moment. Toss some in your bag—you’ll thank yourself later.
- Large water bottle – Bring the big water bottle. Like, the biggest one you own. You’re gonna be crazy thirsty after birth—especially if you’re breastfeeding—and those little hospital cups with the bendy straws just don’t cut it. Having a giant water bottle means fewer refills and more hydration without begging the nurse for ice every hour. Plus, if it has a straw, even better—you won’t have to sit up every time you take a sip, which is a win when your abs feel like they’ve been through a blender.
- Seatbelt pillow – A seatbelt pillow might sound extra… until you’re trying to survive the ride home with a fresh incision. That seatbelt? It will find your c-section scar and bully it the entire way. A soft little pillow or cushion between you and the belt makes a world of difference. Trust me, your sore, stitched-up belly will thank you every time you hit a bump or take a turn.
Final Thoughts: C-Section Hospital Bag Checklist from a Real Mom
This hospital bag checklist is based on real-life experience, second-time-mom energy, and a sprinkle of anxious over-preparing. Whether you’re having a scheduled c-section or just want to be prepared for the unexpected, these hospital bag must-haves helped me feel a little more human in the chaos.
And remember—you don’t need everything. But having the right postpartum essentials for your hospital stay can make a huge difference. I’ll update this post with what I actually used (and what I didn’t) after baby #2 is here!
I hope this hospital bag checklist for second-time moms helps you feel a little more prepared, supported, and less stressed as you get ready to meet your baby.
You’ve got this, mama. 🫶
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