Minimal: What I Packed in my Hospital Bag (for the 3rd baby)

[@RachelleJS]

All I packed for the hospital with my second was snacks, a good book, a shirt dress and an outfit to take the baby home in (plus toiletry necessities and meds). 99% of my bag was snacks. I regret nothing.

[@heyshayla]

Hahaha 👏👏👏👏

[@cuteprincess441]

Snacks are essential!!! 😅

[@raeoflight5473]

Just a heads up for home birth girlies: always pack a hospital bag just in case! I had mine ready to go by the door but never had to be transferred either time, if i did though i would have been ready! ❤ im surprised more midwives dont make mamas do this

[@micaelablogs]

My midwives always give me a list of what to pack! But I agree, I pack it so half-heartedly just praying I won't need it 😂

[@jeanettekakareka]

Yes!! I agree 100%! We're going to a local birth centre, which means we're released just a few hours after birth so we can rest in our own space. The needs of what to pack are therefore different, so our doula suggested we pack two bags. One for plan A and one for plan B. So smart! 😇

[@2pnt5]

I packed almost nothing, but the one thing that I am so glad I brought was a folder to put all the paper work in after baby was born.

[@jourdancatts2367]

I was fully naked in hospital for my first baby and some midwives tried to put a towel over me for modesty and I laughed and threw it to the floor😂

[@heyshayla]

Hahahahahaahaha

[@cariiinen]

Lol

[@1027vvergara]

Yes... Modesty NOW I'm a massage therapist & even tho some ppl are comfy naked it's just like a reaction & being respectful

[@m_sofia007]

Yup, I went to the hospital naked with just a robe on and my kid 45 mins away from being born. They put one of their gowns on me and I ripped it off mid pushing 😂 labor is feral!

[@heatherlaurenRN]

my plans lol

[@kathleenmeiste2975]

I bring my own pillow however, I put two waterproof pillow covers on it and then a regular pillow cover before I put my pillowcase on it. I brought my own blanket but I got it for $10 at the store and if it gets ruined I don't feel bad, it was cheap but holy cow is it SO cozy. And it goes in the wash as soon as we get home. I also keep those items in the car until after baby is actually born. I had a ridiculously long labor with my first and I was so glad we packed card games. At one point we had 2 or 3 other moms and their partners in our room playing uno.

[@luckyahmed200]

I think the consumerism mindset along with YT showing what’s in their bag has created the idea that you need a lot of things

[@amaryeet]

Just had my first baby last week. I feel I had a minimal hospital bag but still didn't even use everything we packed😂😅 What we did use: shower shoes, nursing bra, sweat pants to go home in, robe, comb (to help with contraction pain), baby foot/hand print keepsake, baby going home outfit, 2nd onsie for baby, a sleep/comfort blanket for me What we didn't use: TENS unit (my labor progressed faster than I thought it would so I didn't get to utilize it for pain management like I thought I would😫), snacks (the hospital fed me enough and I wasn't that hungry. I also was drinking LOTS of juice and water that the nurses kept giving me), diapers for me from home (they provided EVERYTHING I needed for PP bleeding/care), fan, baby nail file. Overall (THANK GOD) my labor was super chill and easygoing. Water broke at home at 11:45pm Thursday (after working 9am-8pm 🥴) so I had zero rest till after my epidural at 11am. By then I was already progressed to 6cm and 80% effaced. By 1pm, I was 10cm, labored down and took a nap since it had been over 24 hours since I had any sleep. By 2pm I started pushing, and he was born less than 2 hours later💙 I went into labor with the mindset of "whatever happens happens, I just want him out safe and healthy" which I believed helped lots. I hope every expecting mama has a wonderful labor. Please try not to overthink it (packing the hospital bag, labor, ect). Everything will happen how it was meant to💙💙

[@heyshayla]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love this!!!

[@aenger09]

Snacks are the most important thing. Everything else, eh you'll be fine with or without it. My first was born at 11pm. I had not eaten in over 24 hours and the kitchens were closed at that time. I don't think my husband ate either... So those snacks were clutch.

[@ruhhshelle]

"And you don't need that look..." 😂 I almost spat my coffee out. When my husband wheeled me out of the hospital, I was so used to my big belly covering all my bits, that I just stopped sitting with my legs pressed together. After labor, my stomach was obviously smaller, because baby, and he was like "I can see your underwear." Not a proud moment...

[@heyshayla]

Hahahahahahahahahahaha

[@nessnness]

First baby: 24 hours of labour. So I brought soooooo many snacks and drinks. This time from first contraction to baby was 3,5 hours. And most of that was at home and dropping off my child and going to the hospital. I only spent a good 20 minutes in the actual delivery room.

[@heyshayla]

Omg!!

[@Milonerve]

If the hospital room doesn't have it (if you get to tour the place you can check), you might want to bring a hair dryer - useful to keep your bits dry after cleaning them or going to the bathroom, so that you're not having bacteria develop from wearing pads all the time, especially if it's summer and hot. It's easier to dry them with that than a towel, especially if you have stitches. Mine was really big to pack so i bought a smaller, travel-size one. Hopefully the hospital room has one though!

[@heatherlaurenRN]

im a postpartum nurse and 100% you shouldn't need anything to take care of yourself down there afterwards. they will have that for you. the dermoplast and witch hazel tucks might just be something you have to specifically ask for because, at least at my workplace, we scan those like medications so they come out of the pyxis and dont always remember to give to everyone. but pads, underwear, peri-bottle, all that we have. they must have diapers and wipes so dont bring those. they probably have baby socks and a little baby shirt, swaddle blankets, pacifier, bulb suction, nipple cream, pump sets, ect. all that is basic postpartum nursing supplies so you shouldnt need to bring it. I DO recommend bringing your nursing pillow. will make your life so much easier trust me. Hospital shampoo and conditioner sucks so id bring my own, we don't even have conditioner. but leave your nice socks/clothes/ things you really love at home because stuff gets lost forever all the time in the laundry Medications wise, they should have all that for you plus you cant be taking medications without the nurses knowing. its very important we have all meds like tylenol and iburofen scanned into your chart in case there is an emergency and the doctor needs to know everything you've had since admission. but the meds we have are only for the patient so i would recommend some tylenol/ibuprofen what have you for your partner because they wont be able to get any from the nurses. and thats across the board nursing rules no matter where you live. electrolyte supplements and such are typically no big deal

[@byMemo0]

'It's glamorous' ahahah SO TRUE - seriously, I didn't use 90% of the stuff I brought to the hospital, especially any pjs/night gown XD

[@BeatzByMK]

Almost halfway to meeting my baby girl!!! ❤it’s flown by, this is my first and we’re so excited. I appreciate your content so much, I’ve been thinking about what I need to pack to feel more confident and ready

[@alexusk97]

My water unexpectedly broke during the 35th week, I wish I had prepared everything prior to that. I think I'm doing everything by 32 this time 😂

[@rachaeltrujillo9960]

For me to my pretty much had everything I needed. I like to be prepared so I brought a lot anyway but I agree with this list. Just pack like you’re sleeping over at a friend’s house. They’ll have some of the things you may have forgot. Just bring a long phone cord, toiletries, going home clothes, pillow and blanket for dad and I brought my home pillow. I feel more relaxed if it smells like home. I brought my usual sleep shirts so I could be comfy and not in a hospital gown and snacks. But there’s usually some vending machines somewhere if all else fails. Good luck mama’s! ❤

[@evelynamos]

Toiletries and phone cord. I like to just buy an extra/new bottle of all the toiletries and pack it. And an extra long phone cord. That way I have “stocked up” for when I get home and it is less things to remember to pack.

[@cariiinen]

Yes! I keep a small toiletry bag stocked with basics for small trips year round

[@rebekahcunningham7007]

Omg 😂 the pads sticking to themselves is sooo real

[@heyshayla]

😂🥴😂

[@Dotfsh]

I had to go to L&D like 4 times before my baby was actually born (the 5th time) and it kinda sucked, but it was also a blessing because by the time i was actually about to have that baby, my husband knew where everything was that i needed and knew all the answers to the questions that the nurses asked, so i didn’t have to talk during contractions. Also, i did hypnobabies, but didnt actually listen during labor. Lol. I loved the mindset support during pregnancy, though, because any birth anxiety i had was only when i wasnt listening to the tracks!

[@aaliyahbutler8024]

I started watching ya when I was pregnant with my first to prepare. I’m pregnant with my 3rd now!🫶🏾🥰

[@heyshayla]

🥹🥹🥹 I love this!!! Congratulations!!!

[@christinehicks7868]

My hospital couldn’t get DoorDash and the kitchen has minimal hours. The only food stocked in the unit kitchenette had peanuts and strawberries… both of which I’m allergic to. My amazing nurse gave me her lean cuisine. Next time I’m packing a couple shelf stable meals like mac and cheese or the hormel meals.

[@Recoveringshopaholic2]

Labor went so fast with my 4th that I regret bringing so much. All you need is a going home outfit for you and baby if the hospital provides everything for you and baby lol

[@laurenjane6432]

I can’t believe you’re already this pregnant! It was just yesterday I was telling you you obviously wanted a 3rd baby, just do it! Lol

[@Learningeveryday27]

I brought a frozen chicken wrap so after I gave birth it was de thawed and brought frozen banana oat muffins ! So many memories from birthing my baby. She’s turning One on the 16th !

[@micaelablogs]

That is genius!!

[@ashleyellis2196]

It’s so funny because for each pregnancy you have had I’ve always been just right behind you! Except I have two and now you have three, so I’m hoping you’ll have a fourth when I have my third 😂😂😂

[@heyshayla]

😂😂

[@heyshayla]

No promises on that one lol

[@jlwatts9672]

Just ordered me a variety pack to try out LMNT..I've heard of them for a while now but watching your video gave me the push to finally try em.. im 20 weeks pregnant with baby # 3 and already feeling winded all the time

[@kimmmy86]

So glad you mentioned packing a bag for your other kids, completely skipped my mind. Haha

[@alexandriakaitlynrauchle9119]

I LOVE the mindset shift of the channel, and I really need and benefit from it. Thank you from a mom of three kids almost the same age as yours!

[@alyssasmith5433]

I packed so many things and only ended up using or caring about 1. Fan for labor 2. Chapstick 3. Shampoo/conditioner/hair brush. And 3. A robe. 4. Going home outfit aka Amazon black mumu for me. Didn’t use anything else lol.

[@juliagracemckenzie]

Twinkle lights were amazing for ambiance and cough drops were a game changer for me. Hospitals are so dry and I kinda had a cold coming on, and I'm allergic to peppermint so need a specific kind of cough drop that's hard to find.

[@janatalley2139]

My two cents ❤: go ahead and pack whatever you think you might want/need and set it aside ahead of time! I would rather use my back up hair brush or tooth brush for a couple of weeks than be without it when I really need the comfort in the hospital. I say that after having a 12 hour labor with my 1st and a 1.5 hr labor with my 2nd 😅😅😅 no time to gather ANYTHING! Haha

[@Learningeveryday27]

I brought a dress for after birth because they constantly want to check on your stomach and the bleeding !

[@annaschlimme5136]

Consider installing only the base ahead of time. If you get in the car wreck, only the base has to be replaced! Keep the car seat w the hospital bag.

[@claspring]

First baby: forgot her bag so she came home in a hospital gift store onesie ("I was born at X hospital", actually v cute) and the weird bandage hat they make. The fairylights etc never came out of the bag. Could only eat red jello but kept vomiting so that gave husband some discomforting surprises. Def needed lotion- hospital air was so drying (but they had a sample pack for me). foam pool slippers. maybe a notebook if you're someone that prefers to jot stuff down on paper than digitally....

[@mari.elle_]

Everything you’re saying is facts! I have a 4 and 2 year old as well. I’m 29 weeks along. I am such an organizer so waiting to pack things until the day of (ie toothbrush, things I use daily) would drive me crazy. I will buy a travel size of whatever it is I need and have it packed and done. It frees my mind of feeling like I’m not ready…..And YES pack comfy! Don’t pack yoga pants “you don’t need that look” 😂….I will bring an outfit which is a set of 3: loose top, pants, and cardigan that covers the butt 😌 I don’t pack underwear. I will pack 1 outfit for baby for going home. Pack for the weather of the time you’re delivering, obviously. Less is more. The experience of having a new baby will preoccupy you so much that you really do not need to pack too much. I would recommend having a device you can watch your favorite show on. That’s about all the extra you’ll need. I also packed a portable breast pump (optional) and my waist trainer (optional). If you deliver in hospital, they will provide most necessities and tips for mom and baby.

[@aliciaanderson3622]

It's the nursing pillow for me. I had SUCH a hard time nursing. My baby had a tongue-tie and you can't know if they will or won't before you have them. Honestly my labor was so easy, but I had to stay longer because I couldn't get breastfeeding. I'm definitely taking the feeding pillow next time, but knowing babies this time it will be a 180 and I'll be totally confused as to why I remember it being hard with my first.

[@ameliaduden488]

I got so many compliments on my frida mom gown for my nurses ❤

[@lylabell22]

I way over packed with my first. The next three I brought only a backpack. Our 1st and 3rd had nicu stays but my husband went home as needed to get anything we needed. Definitely bring snacks, our hospital cafeteria is open 6 AM to 6 PM. If the cafeteria is not open, the only option was vending machines.

[@frekita30]

DEFINITELY eye mask! I took one my first time around and I am planning on taking one in a few months!! ❤

[@allisonlikesyellow]

With my first baby we didnt even bring our hospital bag into the hospital until after the baby was born and we just needed it for baby clothes before going home. I also grabbed the bag of candy I packed 😆 and I had a 19 hour labor then was in recovery for hours! During covid and was sent home 9 hours after giving birth. Didn't need any of it (except the baby clothes and carseat)

[@LibbyFlanagan]

*your baby will be fine!* Had a baby go straight to the NICU and def recommend colostrum - she was out in less than 3 days! Will be bringing a little cooler with colostrum again for baby #2

[@heyshayla]

Ohhh good to know!!!!

[@AmyBC123]

I always have had a separate travel toothbrush (actually a dedicated toiletry bag and mini sized things for traveling), so I'd recommend that to anyone packing a hospital bag!

[@DesainysDancer]

Transfered to the hospital twice when trying to do home births 🫥 I was not prepped with a bag for either and just had to throw one together. I think my only regret was lack of snacks 😅

[@karolinas6735]

Soda 😂 after birth I wanted a ginger ale so bad but the nurses said I couldn’t have anything because I had a C-section. Thankfully I had packed some, it was the best ginger ale I ever had 😂😂

[@HBoyzFan]

When I delivered my 1st the hospital postpartum underwear didn't fit (plus size here) so I had to rely on extra big pads so maybe bringing a few of the postpartum underwear you know will fit would be what I'd add just in case

[@madisonheise]

I’m pregnant with #2 and I already told my husband that I’m only bringing an outfit to go home in for me and baby, a Velcro swaddle cause I suck at blanket swaddling, and a nursing bra. That’s it. Besides toiletries ! We brought more stuff the first time and used almost none of it. I just wore my bra and the undies they gave me the whole time I was there and we just had my son in a diaper and swaddle

[@rebekahquinley8093]

I had a surprise c-section and we had only packed to 2 days. We both wished that we had packed a couple more outfits just in case and left them in the car.

[@heyshayla]

That’s a good idea!

[@leahb3113]

I'm so glad I brought my travel MyPillow brand pillow- much more comfortable. Toiletries. BiG undies that fit BiG pads. 10 ft phone cord. Ask visitors to bring you good coffee. 😘

[@patchyxx]

I am 36 weeks pregnant with my first baby. No i dont have a hospital bag ready omg. I live 2 minutes from the hospital and im just not concerned and i don't have anxiety. It takes me longer to get off the couch, put on my shoes (slide-on sandals), and hobble into the car than it does to drive to the hospital. Ive been watching all of these "hospital experience" videos and talking to L&D nurses at my hospital (i work in a clinic for the hospital) and they all say everything is provided for you. Postpartum diapers, ice packs, dermoplast, other postpartum needs. Ill bring my own toothbrush and toothpaste, shower stuff maybe (solid shampoo bar, bar soap), metamucil for both me and my husband (his tummy cant handle a day without it), clean clothes for 2 days for my husband and myself, a onesie for baby for the ride home, phone cables, and i guess thats it? Should i bring my own frida peri bottle? I dont want the hospital to open any supplies for me that i wont use and then they have to throw away. I mean gosh. Billions of people have been born for thousands of years without all of this STUFF. I think ill be fine 😂

[@heyshayla]

Yeah bring the peri bottle but you’re 10000% right!

[@heatherlaurenRN]

they will have peri-bottles too but the frida mom is nice because of the downward angle. the hospital ones are just like a squirt bottle. they still work great just preference. and hospitals also have toothbrushes and toothpaste so technically dont even need that

[@evelynamos]

I also like LMNT. But it is very salty. I mix it in like 64 oz of water which is way more than they recommend. But it goes farther that way!

[@beckyhankins7134]

I honestly can’t remember what I packed at all for my first. I had him at a birthing center, too, so we got released 6 hours after he was born, and my labor was less than 6 hours. 😂 I don’t even know if the bag was opened. Maybe for a change of clothes for me, onesie for baby, and some food after. But that’s it, that’s all we used. This time I’m pregnant with twins, and will most likely have them in a hospital, and I have NO IDEA how it’s gonna go. Will it be early/emergency and I have a longer stay? Will it be “on time” and quick and easy turn around? WHO COULD SAY!! I’ll probably overpack to be safe. 😂

[@Kass-AK]

A reusable water bottle!!! And yes to the chapstick. Exhaling intensely make you do thirsty and have dry lips.

[@leeandd2278]

I used always buy my husband a small bottle(shot) of Jameson for after delivery so he could sleep after cause I’m wired after birth. Now we just deliver our babies at home so his celebratory “drink” involves cleaning up our after birth mess.

[@Breana4889]

2 absolute musts for me were a giant refillable water bottle and a Halo swaddle (or any brand velcro swaddle you intend to use). I felt so much more confident swaddling my second in the Halo swaddle rather than blankets like they usually do. The fact that it could be unzipped from the bottom was also nice for nurses if they didn’t need baby fully undressed. Also not necessary but my hospital offers in room newborn pictures so I brought a cute muslin blanket to wrap them up in for pics that I could also use for their lap on the way home!

[@heyshayla]

Water bottle!!!!!!! Yeeeeees! Adding this to mine!

[@ambermayfield6157]

Can Seth make a video of snacks to pack so I can make my husband watch it and take notes?!?!?

[@heyshayla]

😂😂😂 it’s nothing special just whatever sounds good to him lol

[@megangray7769]

😂

[@amberhaning2881]

If you do a video on breastfeeding, talk about sunflower lecithin!!! I got plugged ducts a couple times with my first and a HORRIBLE case of mastitis and it all ended when I started taking sunflower lecithin every day. To my understanding, it thins your milk and helps it come out more easily.

[@heyshayla]

Good call!!!

[@izzygrandic]

you're the best! love the energy

[@theholubfam4444]

your hair is SO cute!

[@heyshayla]

Thank you!!

[@heidigreen1815]

We packed all these things a suitcase and left the suitcase in the car. I didn’t shower or brush my teeth for 2 days. Do I recommend? No. But it happened and I’m okay with it. 😂

[@doravalencia2214]

My hospital provided me with everything. Even extra dipers for baby. I didnt even buy the mesh undies because i felt they were awkward and unnecessary.. turns out they were lol i switched to nightime pads when i got home.. joggers were nice for a day or so then back to my leggings.. nobody was visiting so who cares what the look was i felt more comfortable.. mmm i was in the hospital for about 2 days and covid so no visitors.. i was in joggers and a robe and showered and went home.. i do need my own products so travel size at Walmart was a thing. My partner got the snacks and that was that lol i put the baby in the outfit when we left. I did pack a few different sizes from little newborn to regular newborn to 0-3mo.. she was in tiny newborn but fun fact i accidentally donated the outfit 😂😂

[@Learningeveryday27]

Sorry for so many comments! I gave birth in the tub so so nice fingers crossed for you !!

[@Learningeveryday27]

If your place has a fridge or freezer bring padsicles

[@micaelablogs]

FYI, apparently all this stuff is NOT provided by the hospital in Canada! I've had three home births, so I had no idea until my SIL told me 😂 I usually just pack clothes in my emergency hospital bag because all the Americans I watch say "Your hospital will provide all this!" But apparently you need to bring everything here including diapers for the baby

[@Bri-wc4ib]

I hardly used anything from my bag - in fact i dont think i even looked in it once 😂 I also didnt even have the strength to shower let alone put on makeup! I had the cute labor dress but i was so hot i just wore a bra and diaper during labor haha

[@heyshayla]

👏👏👏

[@1027vvergara]

U look so cute here Mama.. love the bangs! Love the glow! 💓 Lol at ur husband making pit stops. I headed to the hospital this 2nd time at 7 cm & everytime hubby hit a bump hed apologize & he kept telling me how much longer to get there like JUST SHUT UPPPPP lol.. i get they think they're being helpful to be prepared but also what if u pushed a grape thru ur urethra!! 😂🤣🤣

[@heyshayla]

Hahahahahahah

[@megangray7769]

In my experience the hospital never has hair conditioner, I'm definitely packing that this time. We just found out we are due with baby #2 in March 2025 👀 my first is 14 months, yall pray for me 😂

[@user-vo6rz1sp8u]

In the UK you get diddly squat so everything for you baby and birth partner is needed. Especially food for partner as whilst you get offered food as mum (the patient) dad wont even be offered water.

[@robinlecroy6548]

I stressed out so much about the hospital bag that I didn’t even pack it. I didn’t feel contractions until they were 4 minutes apart. I wish someone would have told me how overhyped the hospital bag really is.

[@weldonservicegroup6962]

You look so beautiful!! 🤩

[@heyshayla]

😭🫶

[@Madi-ls5uu]

My son ended up in the NICU and I had to pump so throwing in some nipple cream that doesn't take up much space is a good thing just in case

[@heyshayla]

Oh smart!!

[@jlynn9847]

Link to contraction timer app?

[@heyshayla]

apps.apple.com/app/id933501579

[@ameliaduden488]

I was supposed to have a home birth so i didnt pack a hospital bag until my blood pressure shot up and i was diagnosed was preeclampsia and i had to go into the hospital for an induction because the medication for BP wasnt working so in the end i just threw shit in a bag quickly headed to the hospital 😂

[@heyshayla]

This.

[@Peachlover345]

You are so funny

[@user-vx5kq8lo1m]

Most important question - will Seth be wearing the same “going home after baby” outfit that he did with the last baby? 😅 can we vote? Can we request this? 😂🎉

[@heyshayla]

Hahahahahahaha real mvp here

[@Learningeveryday27]

I had my baby at a birthing center and didn’t even use anything in my baby bag 😂😂😂😂