What I packed in my hospital bag… don’t over complicate this

[@RosyJreams]

Was in hospital for a week- was induced then some complications. I still only used: robe, slippers, pillow, blanket, SNACKS, basic toiletries, chapstick, going home outfits for you and baby....phone and wallet and charger. Done.

[@heatherwinmill3838]

Finally a hospital bag that actually makes sense! 😂 This is definitely my attitude towards stuff. Due in 8 days with baby #3! 🥳

[@Tinley92bb]

I’m currently watching this in January 2024, almost 36 weeks pregnant with girl #2, and this is EXACTLY the type of hospital bag video I love to see on here! Everything you said is exactly what I have told other new moms since I’ve given birth. I’ve been looking at other hospital bag videos for baby#2 and so many of them say “What you really need” or “hospital bag MUST haves” and then 30 seconds in the mom is like “So I definitely overpacked!” I am all for you do you and whatever makes you comfortable during the whole process, but I think so many new moms get influenced into bringing all these unnecessary items just because someone said it was a “must have”. New moms, listen to Shayla! You don’t need to over complicate the hospital bag! Just bring whatever will help you to have the most comfortable and pleasant experience with your new little one. :)

[@carolynbrown4028]

Thank you so much for your chill attitude! I've been watching videos about pregnancy, childbirth, and babies for months now, and so many of them are so high stress. Thank you for being informative without being scary.

[@heyshayla]

Oh this makes me so happy!!

[@baileyeckerson7251]

Just had my son in November, had a very complex hospital bag packed. Went into labor left it in the car it stayed in the car until I return home.

[@donotneedtoknow7541]

This is so relatable!

[@Daymickey]

This is hilarious!

[@Eye4cu]

Lmao I'd be so stressed

[@erinbell5838]

😂❤

[@HeyMishkaTV]

Omg, this video is everything. Pregnancy/labor content is so freaking stressful and this just brings it back down to earth. I'm 32 weeks and we're just starting to plan the bags, etc and other channels are making me feel so behind and unprepared. 😂 I appreciate the tips and your POV.

[@rebekahsummers4953]

I love that Shayla does stuff crunchy and natural but is chill and realizes if it’s not “perfect” it’s okay 😄 Living low-tox is a great aim but I find a lot of people in the community are stressed about everythinggg and I don’t want that for myself or my family. Shayla’s attitude is SO refreshing!

[@heyshayla]

10000% like how healthy can it be to stress about all of it and run your money slow low? Has to be a balance👏👏👏

[@taylorswf23]

Maybe it’s a backpacker’s mentality. After living out of a pack for a month, I’m soooo happy to use a full size towel, no matter what quality 🤣

[@rochellegronberg2257]

I totally agree - true luxury is two towels, one just for my hair. Amazing! Such opulence!

[@nicola6234]

It definitely is, I used to travel with a carry-on for months on end. I took the same size bag to the hospital

[@courtneywootton653]

Out of everything I packed in my big overnight bag, all I used was a nightie, slippers, toothbrush + paste, shower gel, depends, face wipes, hair tie, maternity dress for discharge, phone, wallet. Keep it simple!

[@audreycofield9699]

December the bone broth at home ahead of time until most of the water is evaporated then at the hospital you can just have your him go down to like where they have hot water for tea, fill up your thermos and then mix it with the thickened bone broth.

[@Scroggs2017]

I usually am minimal but it’s been 10 years since having a baby so I’m not sure how my body will react so I’m packing a fan and socks. Most hospitals have warm blankets so I’m not worried about that. I definitely think it’s a great idea to call hospital ahead and see what they are going to offer.

[@savannah-x1u]

I didn’t even realize how much anxiety packing a damn bag would give me until watching the hospital bag videos lol. I’m such a “what if packer”, that even the idea of forgetting something I may need gives me anxiety😂Honestly, this is just one more reason for me to have a home birth. Keeps looking better and better 😂 Hope you’re feeling good, girl! And that you’re snuggling with your new fam of FOUR💕✨

[@leeannabrown3091]

Just remember you can always keep things in the car, so pack your hospital bag and then if you decide you want more but aren’t sure you’ll use it (like pillows,blanket, breastfeeding pillow) just keep in your car and that way your partner can go grab it from the car easily if you do actually want it, that’s what I did cause I wasn’t sure how my hospital would be

[@julietrae526]

Where I live, hospitals apparantly only provide baby's first diaper, (sometimes a perri bottle, but don't count on it), one hat, pads, hospital gowns, prescription-only formula for sick babies (so bring your own) a single pillow, and pain meds if asked for.

[@fernandagonzalez7270]

Yes!!! I was super low maintenance too. I lived in the hospital gown, grippy socks, and their little mesh underwear with the diaper pad they provide. It was a cute look. 😂 My son stayed swaddled up with just the hospital shirt they put on or he was only in a diaper until it was time to go home. I do wish I had brought my own towel from home though, those hospital towels are so small! I think a lot of women don’t realize how much stuff the hospital will provide you! Diapers, wipes, postpartum stuff. 👍🏼

[@LKlassen16]

Yes! me too!

[@CharminglySilly]

Lol I feel the same way. The videos helped me find postpartum items I needed for home, but I look at how many bags people bring... My husband and I are sharing a rolling suitcase. And we will each have our own small backpack for our favorite snacks and electronics.

[@alexamunoz7943]

I’m going to bring s little table fan for white noise/cooling :)

[@Elizabeth-gh2ih]

With my first i overpacked, packed a going home outfit for me and literally wore the same exact thing home that I went into the hospital in. Planning on doing that again. Saved me space 😂

[@sarahbeth3472]

As a first time mom, this was such a helpful video! Your relaxed and laid back attitude has made me feel so much better about packing my bag. I really don't want to bring my whole house with me 😂 I would prefer to bring as few items as possible, just the things that I absolutely need. We are also only 15 minutes away from our hospital. So if my husband needs to go home and get something, it isn't a big deal.

[@kimberlyminns4959]

This is my favourite, down to earth, easy Hospital Bag video 😄

[@sariannacrook7500]

I didn't pack the first time... opps. It all turned out fine in the end anyway. By the time I truly realised I was in labour I couldn't think about it and just grabbed a water bottle, sweater and change of clothes. Ended up changing hospitals/towns for a c-section. Even forgot baby clothes and carseat. No biggy. Partner drove home the next day to get all the things and run by the store. BUT I'll definitely pack a small bag ahead this next one! Haha. I'm going to be sorted this time with the basics by week 35 ;) and my family and partner can just look after our toddler. Love your chillness Shayla. Helped me through my first pregnancy... and now again with my second.

[@ken33tg]

I find this video pretty ironic. You say to keep it simple or not overcomplicate it but you are beinging the most I have seen in many videos and a suitcase. It's kinda funny.

[@rachelle2227]

I was so glad I brought my own thin houserobe. The hospital gown was so cold and uncomfortable. I just wore my houserobe, a bra, and the mesh panties. Way better. I brought an electric blanket too, and that was great, hospital blankets are so cold and uncomfortable. A few times I did want the heat of the blanket on, so nice.

[@fionashaw9097]

I always say if you live ages away from the hospital, then I'd make sure to pack a comprehensive bag, but if you live close by chances are your support person can go home and grab things and go to nearby shops for other things anyway, and if you have a straightforward birth you'll probably go home pretty fast. Definitely agree with checking what your hospital provides and thinking about what you can't live without for two days.

[@kyleighbreanne9656]

We live in Maine and less than 5 mins from our hospital, but our hospital will not allow my support person to leave the hospital at all. If he does, they won’t let him back in.

[@kristacoleman4712]

The things I packed that I actually used... I was in the hospital for 4 days. I packed a pair of maternity leggings, a t-shirt, a bra, some nipple pads, a diaper for me, a 10 ft. phone charger (which worked perfectly because I didn't have to constantly move the charger around), an outfit for baby (I should've brought 2, because he peed through the first one), a pair of socks, a pair of slippers, a pair of shower shoes, a towel, toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash), my husband's stuff, and snacks for him (I didn't want to eat at all when I was in the hospital, the nurses had to push me to eat, but my husband ate lots of snacks lol). I wore the hospital gown/robe the entire time I was there and used their mesh diaper thing while there and used my depends to go home in (because I was allergic to the mesh thing-- it gave me a rash). The one thing I didn't think I was going to need was the nipple pads and I was overly grateful I brought those. I didn't expect to be in the hospital for so long and my milk came in the day I was supposed to leave and I was leaking everywhere. I kept my bag simple and I used everything in it... and I would keep it simple again if I have another child. I also didn't watch TV at all the entire time I was in the hospital. Most of the time, I was on the phone talking to family, taking walks, and watching my baby on the NICU cam (he was transferred to another hospital hours after birth).

[@LKlassen16]

I pretty much just used the hospital stuff. But I'm super not picky.This time I'm just packing the basics.

[@krystalt3374]

We lived an hour away so I just planned for a possible emergency c section. I’m so happy I did because that’s exactly what happened. The hospital food was surprisingly extremely good.. but I think I was just so hungry after that everything was delicious.

[@alyssacooksey2858]

The fan was my unexpected number one in labor!!

[@cisstar8647]

You look so good for being 39 weeks!

[@rsparkles]

My one essential for giving birth was fuzzy slipper socks. I had an epidural both times and my feet were always cold. Plus they have the little stickies on the bottom so I didn't fall. And definitely call the hospital! The first hospital I gave birth in supplied everything for us, the second barely supplied anything so I had to bring my own dermaplast (also a birth essential).

[@Orangeyoshis]

I was in the hospital with my baby for about 4 days and all I used aside from clothes was a phone charger for my husband (I completely forgot to bring my phone lol), slippers, snacks, and some clothes for the baby. The clothing was sweats and t shirts for both of us lol.

[@shola7987]

I had my first baby April 15th we only stayed one night. We didn't shower. If the bathroom was nicer maybe I would have but I was anxious to get home. I packed a bunch of stuff I didn't use thanks to KZbin lol.

[@annarocha3254]

I showered like five times! It made me feel so much better! But i also didnt pack much.

[@cinthiaham1517]

I had to bring a lot because we went to a birthing center and they didn’t provide a lot like hospitals but I would go there again because of how amazing they were!

[@De-xz6en]

I know this is in an old video but it’s the best yet! I’m so tired of women like “bring your makeup back, your curling iron” like no what, why? Lol

[@Squintina]

While my hospital doesn't provide a list of what they provide, they do provide a "what you should bring" list, so I referenced that. It was pretty minimalist so I'm guessing that means they provide a lot. So I just have a little carry-on with some of the things they mentioned (or alternative equivalents), and I added a few things I personally want to have: snacks and water and lip balm (I'm a very naturally thirsty person and my lips dry out in no time). Hubby's packing nothing because we're 10 mins from the hospital so he can just go home if he realizes he needs something.

[@alainaevans9683]

I am getting induced on May 7th (in a few days) at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia I am so nervous and just finishing my hospital bag this is helpful for sure lol I’ve been thinking more about how the meds are going to make me feel than what I’ll be wearing to be honest.

[@geekyvampchick]

I love this! I definitely over packed the first time. Now going for my 3rd cesarean, and this is pretty spot on.

[@enzikay]

I packed clothes as if I would be there for a few days and I was there for a few days, but I just wore the hospital gown the entire time 😅

[@heyshayla]

Hahaha 🙌🙌

[@Kristin_C]

Super helpful! Thanks Shayla!

[@jasminecorvic9519]

Hey Shayla! Congrats on your new baby! I hope it's been easier your second time around. I'm having my first baby in 8 weeks and I've been watching all your videos and listening to your podcasts. I agree about these ridiculous packing lists/videos, I haven't watched any except this video. I'm just packing like what I would need for a 4 night stay, and the baby things. I'm quite lucky because I live one street away from the hospital, so if I need anything my hubby can just walk home. I wanted to ask reg post partum/bleeding whether I could use my reusable menstrual pads and/or my period panties?

[@heyshayla]

A lot of people do! You’ll probably want something more foe the first couple days but when / if bleeding decreases you can totally go to the reusable!!

[@laurenking8648]

Hi there! I tried using your code for Kindred Bravely and it said it wasn't valid... do you have a new code to use?

[@heyshayla]

Heyshayla15 they just changed it 🥴

[@justamags]

I literally had the bare minimum packed--- toiletries, two loose clothing outfits, and a nursing bra, and then a diaper bag with some basics in it and a going home outfit....and I used NONE OF IT. LOL I was stressed out watching packing videos, looking at lists, etc.... and I stayed in the hospital gown, no bra, mesh undies, and my son was just swaddled in a hospital receiving blankey and a diaper. They provided a tooth brush and showering stuff, and diapers and wipes for him. Only thing I did wear were my slip on shoes. 😂 Edit: Congratulations!!!!

[@BlueMaroonAnimations]

Calling your hospital is a must. I tried to be very minimalist with my packing for my first only to realize that my hospital only provided me with 1 pad and 1 diaper and that's it. I was glad I packed a sample diaper kit though we were pushing it by the end. I wore leggings to the hospital and will make sure to pack sweats to go home in this time. I think I will pack my boppy this time since I found it exhausting to hold my little girl right after birth to try and get her to latch. Snacks are also a must. We packed easy snacks like gold fish, arrowroot crackers, soda crackers and some granola bars. I think I will make some sandwiches this time as well for my husband as he didn't eat much last time. I feel a lot less stress this time for packing my hospital bag, and this video is really great for helping others to not stress about it

[@ranmagh5257]

I was wondering as soon as you give birth people say there are a lot of decisions you have to make for baby and if you don't decide the doctor will make decisions about the baby in your place . Is that true? If yes what are they

[@annarocha3254]

Huh. That wasn't my experience af all. I was asked before they did anything to my boys and if i was undecided they did nothing.

[@breevestrand]

I brought my boppy and both times my husband stole it as a pillow to sleep with 😂 but also it was great to use to hold baby without pulling on my stitches. I barley used anything I packed except my going home outfit and my toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste. I wore the gown until it was time to leave. We only stayed one day both times but I def packed a lot lighter the second time. It also depends on your nurses on how much stuff you get. I labored at the same hospital both times and got way less stuff the second time because my nurse didn’t give me much. The first time my nurse was like girl I’m gonna hook you up and stocked me up before I left.

[@kinseyjohnson4341]

I literally don't use anything other than chapstick, phone charger, high waisted pregnancy leggings and baggy tees or a pregnancy sleep dress depending on season, used/dark nursing bras Incase they get bloody from delivery, a going home outfit for baby and then enough shower stuff for one shower before I leave, toothpaste and toothbrush, my face wash, toner and serum and then snacks. I use their water container, underwear, gown, diapers, pads, wipes, baby wash, Peri bottles, swaddle blanket etc. I am a light packer and just bring absolute essentials/what I can't get from them.

[@tristenhausmann]

i packed a going home outfit for me and baby and shorts for dad, my essential oils, toothbrush and toothpaste and that was it lol 🤣 my midwife was shocked that i didn’t bring anything

[@syrykh]

Imagine, 10 years ago, when I delivered my daughter, in Ukraine, nobody knew that there are period bottles and you could wash yourself so easily in postpartum 😭 This simple thing just did not exist, and this is just a plastic bottle, no high technologies! Nurses in the hospital only told, "wash yourself every time you go to the toilet", but could not give any tip how to make it easier for a young woman who just gave a birth. Adding to my list with gratitude 🙏

[@silverscapes9628]

Last time I didn’t pack much, and I wish I packed less. I didn’t use 90% of it. I’m a very minimalistic person and I was so tired I didn’t even shower or brush my teeth until I got home. For baby, I just needed a going home outfit because we did so much skin to skin he didn’t wear anything but a diaper until we left. All I ended up using was; phone charger, headphones, birth plan, flip flops, comb for pain management, lanolin (I really did need it and it’s the best nipple cream), hair tie, going home clothes for me and baby, baby blanket. I’ll probably bring my light bathrobe this time, just for easier nursing access (the hospital gowns don’t really work that well).

[@SonyaBay]

Your mood in this video is my mood too lol same girl same

[@mrs.jessicahorning]

I was naked in a birth tub other than a sports bra on when they transferred me from our homebirth to the hospital (whole story on the KZbin page).. SO all that to say…I had nothing with me when I birthed our son. Not even SOCKS. I survived and they had all I needed. 😂

[@livi_bridge]

I literally only used my outfit to go home in, baby outfit and shampoo/deodorant/moisturizer/toothpaste. I packed snacks and didn't even eat them cause I wasn't hungry like that. My hospital gave me literally EVERYTHING I could have possibly needed. The only other thing I would bring is my mini fan (cause I got extremely hot after my c section.) But aside from that my hospital provided everything. They actually gave me a hand knitted blanket that was blessed, and 2 knitted hats for my son. They gave us 2 diaper bags, in those it had travel formula, a full size formula, bottles, diapers, wipes. Then it was mother's day so they brought me flowers to take home. The only thing I'm worried about is my shoes. My feet swelled up so bad I couldn't even wear my shoes I came in (which were crocks) so idk what to do about that lol.

[@kathleenmcnaughton3392]

You packed more than me for sure! I figure they aren’t going to let baby go diaperless (or me) if I don’t pack things haha

[@donotneedtoknow7541]

I ended up transferring to the hospital from home for pain relief and did not have a hospital bag prepacked. So, my birth helper packed u the stuff I asked her to throw together last minute. Ended up being in the hospital for less than 4 hrs. I just packed a change of clothes for me and my husband, a couple depends and a phone charger. I totally forgot about baby stuff (except the car seat, we had that). Anyway, it was FINE. 🙂 I was not impressed with the hospitals mesh panties and ice pads so I'm really glad I had the depends. Baby came home in the hospital gown and blanket. So, you know, it'll all be fine.

[@jijiian]

If you call your hospital to see what they provide, ask them how big the cup they give you is. My sisters all got nice 32oz cups with straws and I was so looking forward to getting my own when I had my baby. But my hospital gave me a dinky 16oz one 🙄 And because of covid my husband wasn't allowed to go refill it for me and I was so shy about "bothering" the nurses to get me water. I was dehydrated. Be smarter than me!

[@jesseenixon]

Im with you on the coconut oil LOL I use it for all

[@Abigail-kd8gu]

One reason why I loved my home birth. Everything was where i needed it and i didnt have to worry about forgetting something 🙈

[@abigailfertal2678]

I don't have enough clothes that fit me to pack ahead of time. So whatever I need is getting thrown in a bag day of!

[@sarahtara5546]

I packed my bag last minute, because my home birth went wrong haha.. Definitely not something to overcomplicate.. We did just fine!

[@sarahtara5546]

Our hospital gave us lots of supplies.. So we really only needed something to wear there and home for us and baby.

[@tamigarbarino6036]

I’d avoid the peppermint!!! It can decrease supply!! 😬😫😢

[@ashleybeazley]

Everyone always said no to yoga pants but I loved wearing my maternity leggings. I wanted tight pants so my pad/diaper felt secure. I just wore a baggy top

[@heyshayla]

That’s a good idea!! I agree actually the tighter pants felt better once I got home and I could have done it out of the hopsoitl

[@ashleybeazley]

@@heyshayla I also bought some tight like bike short type underwear to wear in bed. I hate when I scoot back and feel like my pad shifts around.

[@carlashambrook765]

I packed half of this and UK don’t give you anything. I didn’t use half of the stuff I packed x

[@EleanoraWeller]

I love this video. You literally need nothing except something for your baby to wear and a few nappies! So many amazon sponsored videos 🙃. So bad for the planet! I got everything I need in Australia for anyone reading

[@RobertaStonequist]

Happy Labor vibes worked 🙏🙌🥲🥳 So so glad you got the birth you wanted and all is well 🤩 such helpful and calming advice in this video!

[@Kimiah-r7d]

Exactly a video somebody gets it. You don't need all of that crap. You know what I'm saying. It's not complicated where the same clothes you came out with. They give you underwear. Get some shower shoes. You don't need a bobby pillow. You don't need half of that stuff. You only there for 2 days natural and three to four days c section. I'm so glad eyes found this video 🙏🙏🙏

[@racheltidman5150]

i love your videos

[@heyshayla]

Thank you!!!

[@angelique00angelique]

I overpacked 😅 next time I’d do 2/3 sets of pajamas, underwear, socks, one going home outfit for me and hubby. Then two going home options for baby (a premie size and a newborn size). I regret our coming home outfit because it was way too big on him! 🤣🤣 baby just stayed in pamper and hospital swaddles all three days we were there 🤷🏻‍♀️ Then just our regular toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, lotions, toothbrushes, makeup. My specific non essential items would be a boppy pillow (the hospital ones were not helpful and I really struggled with bf and ended up exclusively pumping so I’d like to try better to bf next time!), eye mask, definitely chapstick, camera, plastic sandal slides for both hubby and I. I’d probably take a pumping bra since I had to exclusively pump it totally sucked holding the stupid pumps with my hands with boobs just hanging out while all the staff would be coming in! Won’t take: water bottle (hospital gave us some), birthing clothes (spent way too much money and stress over this and ended up in the hospital gown the whole time), hair dryer or straightener, a bunch of baby clothes 🤦🏻‍♀️, a bunch of nursing bras.

[@katielogue7929]

I live that this is so "meh" packing for hospital was one of my most stressful moments during pregnancy. My midwife was like wow you bought a lot... I think next time I'd be happy to turn up with an outfit for bubs and a clean pair of underwear for me and leave it at that 😆

[@nikkimcinnesphotography4724]

I didn't even think about my son's bag for grandmas house. Thanks lmao

[@heyshayla]

😂🙌

[@pienkunicorn]

I think literally the only things I used were my phone, phone charger, fitbit charger and snacks. Snacks are super important. I put some clothes on me and baby before I left. I wore the hospital gown the whole time I was there. Didn't even bother with a bra. DH forgot sweatpants for himself. Lolz. Friends brought it for him. They gave me all the stuff you said I guess I used my toothbrush and my hair brush. Really most things I just didn't end up using. I packed my bag after my water broke an hour before we went to the hospital and it was fine .

[@cour2knee]

dont over complicate, packs healing oils….

[@leapace9480]

It's weird. How long y'all stay in the hospital? I'm always there for like 5 to 6 days. Super glad to have a toothbrush and shower stuff. Also a blanket. The hospital is freezing and if you get in the nicu, they don't do .....anything for you. I was glad to have a tablet and comfy clothes and a pair of shoes. They also don't let you bring food in the nicu, so that's a problem. You're living there, but they don't let you eat. Annoying.

[@sanymatos]

I have no Idea what I need to put in the baby bag 😂 help!

[@tarahpi7821]

Hey Shayla!! I hope you see this ( or anyone who can help…slightly off topic but)…I really want a natural water birth …a hospital birth is free…a birth center water birth will cost at least few thousand dollars out of pocket. $0 cost sounds great in this economy, although the thought of hospital birth gives me anxiety. I’m so torn😭❤️ WHAT WOULD YOU DO😩🥰👣

[@heyshayla]

Make sure you interview the hospital. And see if you can find one with midwives !

[@tarahpi7821]

@@heyshayla yeah, my first birth was at hospital with midwives. Not allowed to labor in water and there are the various interventions and the “hospital experience” …free. Then there’s the birth center

[@katiekury8656]

This is so funny. You packed A LOT of stuff. I guess I’m a lot more low key and minimal than I realized lol. I wore the hospital gown and mesh undies the whole time. I think I wore the same outfit that I came in with when I left, maybe a different shirt. Used hospital soap/shampoo. Some snacks, toothbrush toothpaste, contacts/solution, phone and charger, sleeper and hat for baby. That’s about it. And I was there 4 days post c-section. People, you’re not moving into the hospital and it’s not a vacation. Plus, speaking as a nurse it’s annoying as F when the bedside table if full of your crap when we need to use it for your medical care or to put your meal tray on.

[@erikawestfield6433]

Second babies can come FAST

[@heyshayla]

Mine was here in 6 hrs

[@annarocha3254]

I used my chapstick religiously. Otherwise I didnt use anything I brought.

[@maxineperez3141]

This stresses me out knowing you gotta take sooooo many damn clothes especially when your gonna give birth like why

[@heyshayla]

You don’t!

[@Kimiah-r7d]

I'm not going to bring any yoga pants. I don't want nothing to be tight on my butt or my vagina or my stomach. If I have a c-section I'm scheduled for natural but oversized dress. It's just fine. When I get to the hospital I'll put my oversized black nightgown on and my rove. I'll be fine then when I get home. I just put my clothes that I had on when I came there. Not going to be living there. She gets it

[@stephaniemarcino4886]

I went to labour without having my bag packed 🫣🫣🫣 we were only 5 minutes from the hospital so I had people make runs for me but definitely was ok without anything. Still didn’t stop me from freaking out that I had nothing packed 🤣