9 C-Section Recovery Kit Must-Haves in 2023

If you’re a c-section mama, you know how challenging it can be to recover after giving birth.

Postpartum recovery after pregnancy is tough on any new mom, but it can be even more challenging for those who have had a c-section.

A c-section is major abdominal surgery that requires a longer recovery time than vaginal delivery which means you need specific recovery items to help you manage your postpartum period.

As a first time mom who has had a c-section, I understand how difficult it can be to choose the best recovery items for your c-section.

That’s why I have put together this guide of 9 must-haves for your postpartum c-section recovery kit.

What is a C-Section Recovery Kit?

A c-section recovery kit is a collection of essential items that can help new moms recover from a c-section more comfortably and efficiently.

The specific contents of a c-section recovery kit may vary depending on individual needs and preferences.

However, the overall goal of a c-section recovery kit is to provide new moms with the tools they need to manage pain, reduce discomfort, and promote healing during the postpartum period.

Top Benefits of a C-Section Recovery Kit

The top benefits of a c-section recovery kit are:

Convenience: Having all the necessary items in one place saves time and energy, making recovery more manageable.

Comfort: The items in a c-section recovery kit are designed to reduce discomfort and promote healing.

Pain relief: The kit may include different forms of pain relievers that are specific to c-section mamas.

A c-section recovery kit can provide new moms with the items they need to recover comfortably and efficiently from a c-section.

What are the Must-Have C-Section Recovery Kit Items?

Based on personal experience, these are the nine c-section recovery kit items I recommend for a smoother postpartum recovery. Here is a quick overview:

1. Postpartum High-Waisted Underwear

As you navigate the world of postpartum, it’s important to have comfortable and functional underwear that supports your healing process.

When I had my c-section high waisted postpartum underwear was a day-to-night essential and a game-changer when it came to comfort and pain management.

Bodily has a curated kit designed specifically for c-section moms that come in a 1, 3, or 5-pack.

Amazon also has some good options if you are looking to get that Prime 2-day shipping.

As you prepare your c-section recovery kit for yourself or a friend, be sure to look for high-waisted styles with soft and breathable fabric.

Underwear that has a seamless design will also reduce skin irritation around your incision site.

2. Postpartum Abdominal Support Binder

After giving birth via c-section, it’s common for women to experience discomfort and pain in their abdominal area.

This is where a postpartum abdominal support binder can come in handy. Not only does it ease the discomfort, but it also helps your body speed up the healing process.

The binder provides support to the abdominal muscles, reducing the strain and pressure placed on the body during the recovery period.

It also helps to bring the muscles back together, aiding in the closing of the incision.

Honestly, nothing felt better than the support binder when I was recovering from my c-section. It gave me the ability to move around with less pain and made everything feel secure and in place.

I used the Velcro belly binder provided by the hospital for the first week and then I used the Keababies 3-in-1 postpartum binder for several weeks after that.

This is an essential item for every c-section recovery kit.

3. Ice Packs

Every good c-section recovery kit includes ice packs because they are an incredibly helpful tool for women who are recovering from a c-section.

Not only can they help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the incision area and abdominal scar, but they can also provide some much-needed relief from the pain that often accompanies surgery.

By numbing the nerves in the area, ice packs can help reduce pain and make the recovery more comfortable.

So, if you or someone you know is having a c-section, be sure to stock up on some ice packs to help speed up the healing process.

4. Maternity Pads or Adult Diapers

Maternity pads and adult diapers are two options for women who are recovering from a c-section and experiencing postpartum bleeding.

Maternity pads are similar to regular pads but are longer, thicker, and more absorbent. They are designed to fit comfortably in postpartum underwear and are available in various sizes to suit individual needs.

Adult diapers, on the other hand, are designed to provide full coverage and are ideal for women who are experiencing heavy bleeding or have difficulty controlling their bladder after childbirth.

Some people assume only a woman who had a vaginal birth is the only one to bleed postpartum but c-section mamas do too, so be sure to include some pads or diapers in your c-section recovery kit.

I used Rael organic overnight pads along with the disposable mesh underwear provided by the hospital.

5. Comfortable Clothing

Every good prep kit includes comfortable clothing.

Comfy clothes are a day-to-night essential for a woman recovering from a c-section as they can help minimize discomfort while promoting healing.

Loose-fitting clothing made from soft, breathable materials can reduce irritation and prevent rubbing against the c-section incision site, which can be sensitive and tender.

Additionally, comfortable clothing can improve mobility and make it easier for new moms to care for their babies.

Now might be the time to splurge on a special loungewear set for those early postpartum days…I know I did! I got a few sets from Target but Free People has some cute ones too. Even Amazon has some good options!

If you are putting together a c-section recovery kit for a friend, have fun picking them out some loungewear. It is sure to make them feel loved and cared for.

6. Shower Wipes

This might be TMI but I puked during my c-section…a lot. On top of that, I didn’t know I was going to be having a c-section so I was completely unprepared for the recovery.

Knowing what I know now I would have packed shower wipes in my hospital bag. You can’t get up for an extended period of time after a c-section much less get in the shower.

Include shower wipes in your c-section recovery kit for a convenient way to feel a little cleaner and refreshed from the comfort of the hospital bed.

7. Nursing-Friendly Pajamas

Breastfeeding-friendly pajamas are a great option for women recovering from a c-section who plan to nurse their baby.

These pajamas are designed with easy-access nursing features, such as front clasps or wrap-around designs, that allow breastfeeding moms to nurse comfortably and discreetly.

Nursing-friendly pajamas provide a convenient and practical option for nighttime feedings, helping to make the recovery process more manageable.

Kindred Bravely has some incredibly soft bamboo options from long sleeves to short sleeves to nightgowns.

8. Supportive Pillows

Sitting up can be very difficult after a c-section.

In the hospital, the beds move up and down and you can sleep at preferred angles. Once you get home, it may be wise to have some extra pillows for support and comfort at night.

I found that sleeping propped up a bit with pillows made it a little easier for me to get up through the night when my newborn needed to be fed.

I also found that in the first few days walking with a pillow pressed against my abdomen and incision site helped provide a sort of stability when I moved.

Supportive pillows may be a more unique item in your c-section recovery kit but they could exponentially help your postpartum experience.

9. Comfy Grip Socks or Slippers

In the first few weeks of your c-section recovery, you will definitely benefit from some cozy grip socks or slippers.

Grippy socks or slippers provide not only comfort but also help with hygiene.

Hospitals and postpartum recovery areas can be busy and high-traffic areas, increasing the risk of exposure to germs and bacteria.

Wearing socks with grips or slippers can help keep your feet clean and protected from any germs or bacteria on the floor.

Additionally, after a c-section, you may find it challenging to bend down or reach your feet due to the abdominal incision site.

Slippers are a great addition to every c-section recovery kit as they are easy to slip on and off, eliminating the need to bend or stretch to put on or take off shoes.

My mom gifted me a pair of Uggs several days after I gave birth to my daughter and they quickly became a day to night essential. In fact, I still haven’t taken them off.

Intangible Recovery Items

Although you cannot physically pack any of the following things in your c-section recovery kit, they may be other essentials to consider:

Talk to someone

If you had a difficult c-section experience consider reaching out to fellow c-section mamas whether online or in person friend or mom who has also had a c-section.

Sometimes childbirth is painful, unexpected, and difficult to process.

Therapy may be a good option for mental health support. It can be hard when a birth plan is thrown out the window or the surgery goes nothing like you had expected.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy is a wonderful way to health establish strength post-c-section.

Pelvic floor therapists can also help you manage your c-section scar and scar tissue.

I went to pelvic floor therapy following my c-section and it was fantastic.

Patience and Understanding

Give yourself patience and understanding — recovery times can vary and the early days with a baby are exhausting.

Your body has gone through a lot physically and emotionally.

Give yourself grace — You are doing the best you can.

Final Thoughts

Overall, having a well-stocked c-section recovery kit can make a significant difference in your healing process.

From comfortable clothing to pain management tools, each item plays a crucial role in promoting a speedy and comfortable recovery.

Remember, every recovery journey is unique, and your doctor will be your best guide on the path to a successful c-section and smooth recovery afterward.

While a c-section can present some challenges, with the right preparation and mindset, you can get back to feeling healthy and strong in no time.

If you are putting together a c-section recovery kit for a friend or are a first time mom check out these additional postpartum recovery/gift ideas here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need a Peri bottle after a C-section?

Yes, it is likely that you will need a Peri bottle after a c-section.

After a c-section, you will not have any perineal tearing or bruising, but you may still experience some discomfort and soreness around the incision site. The peri bottle can be used to clean the area around the incision and help keep it clean and free from infection.

The hospital usually provides one but I recommend a Peri bottle with a spout that is turned upwards like this one.

This could be another bonus item to add to your c-section recovery kit.

What is the hardest day of C-section recovery?

The hardest day of c-section recovery can vary from person to person, as everyone’s experience with surgery and recovery is unique. However, for many women, the first few days after the c-section can be the most challenging.

As your recovery progresses, you will gradually start to feel better and regain your strength and mobility.

What can I do to speed up my recovery after a C-section?

Recovering from a c-section is a gradual process, and it can take several weeks to several months to fully recover.

However, there are several things you can do to help speed up your recovery and promote healing including taking it easy, moving around when you can (to prevent blood clots and muscle weakness), and following the instructions given to you by your doctor.

Having a c-section recovery kit can provide support and comfort for the journey of healing.