packing my hospital bag + post partum recovery station 

I seriously don't think I could survive this pregnancy without my Helix mattress! Click here helixsleep.com/shawkinson for up to $200 off your Helix Sleep mattress plus two free pillows! Free shipping within the US! #helixsleep

I SWEAR YOU JUST ANNOUNCED YOUR PREGNANCY omg

Don't forget hair ties!!! You'll need them for sure, cozy blanket for baby and snacks for Ryan during delivery and later for both of you lol

I’m not pregnant or planning to be for a while but thank you Sarah for all your real and honest content. I feel like a lot of RU-vidrs would shy away from this type of thing but it’s so amazing to see it normalised❤

I still can’t believe you’re gonna be a mom! Congrats to you and Ryan 🎉hope all goes well for your family!

Lip balm, socks (your feet alone can get pretty cold during labour) hair ties, snacks. For postpartum, a donut pillow makes sitting easier if you have an episiotomy.

In my experience, you’ll need very little from home and it’s such a whirlwind while you’re there that chances are you’ll forget about 75% of what you pack. Also, the hospital will give you a couple newborn pacifiers and my boys loved those the best. All the best on your new adventure!

Hi Sarah! I've been subscribed to you since the bleached blonde bob era, and it's just so crazy to see how far you've come, I can't believe you're about to have a baby! I'm just so happy for you, I hope your labour and recovery go well, you're going to be such a good mother :) Sending positive vibes

so many women in my life are pregnant but I'm child-free, I'm excited for them but I don't know anything about this stuff so it's super helpful for me to have a bit more perspective on the process! i'm also so excited for you!!! 🥰

so excited for you!! i think 36 weeks is a perfect time to prep. also….in relation to the postpartum prep, just be mentally ready for the postpartum poop. laxative and lots of patience. i swear that 15 mins in the bathroom is tougher than giving birth!

Hi Sarah! I’m in my first trimester (first midwife appointment is tomorrow!). Your videos have helped me sooo much with the anxiety I’ve been feeling and are helping me feel more prepared for this journey. It’s so nice to feel like I have a friend to go through this experience with. I hope you keep making pregnancy & first time momma videos cuz they have been a blessing for me. Thank you ❤

So exciting! As a doula my only advice is to not focus too much on your due date, like you said she will come when she is ready and that can be anytime between 37 and 42 weeks. You got this!!

I’m 31 weeks tomorrow and also packing my bag. I think it’s much easier here in Poland, because when you choose your hospital you get a list of things you have to pack (both for you and a baby). I’m so excited counting down weeks!

I'm an old mom. My 3 are grown now. But make sure you throw in hair ties and lip balm. Also, prep your bed at home. Get a mattress protector of some sort. Baby will end up there with you at times and accidents happen. You'll do great!

I can't believe you're having your child in a few days. I started following you when I was 17 and now I'm 25...time really flies

You’re all set! You’re gonna be AMAZING! One thing I wish I knew from the jump is the value of a massive water bottle with a straw and a HANDLE. Breast feeding (or pumping) made me soooooo thirsty, so having a water bottle I could use with one hand was clutch. It’s the little conveniences in those first few weeks that feel really big! Xoxoxoxoxoxo❤❤❤

Just got done with postpartum with my second baby and second time was way better because I wasn’t scared to ask for extras! If you ask for more pads and underwear to bring home they will usually give you a pack or two to bring home! Especially if you end up having a c section the mesh underwear is a lifesaver!

36 weeks?! Time is flying! I'm so excited for you! Pepe reminds me of the big old cat in my life when I was a baby (he used to sit in my cot with me, all my baby photos are us chilling together!)

Recommendation - Hospital bag - snacks for you and Ryan - water bottle

I always thought pregnancy is boring and painful. But Sarah's helping me change my thoughts. And I think imma be as cheerful as her when I'll become a preg mommy.

I'm not pregnant or planning to be but, watching your whole process has been soooo calming and so exciting at the same time!! ❤️❤️

The biggest thing you're missing is snacks!! And maybe a nice scrunchy or comfy hair tie. Both me and my husband loved having hi-chew in the bag and I'm bringing them again! Candy, gum, protein bars are all nice to have just in case. Otherwise you look like you're in good order :) Good luck! I'm at about the same point as you (second baby) and it's fun to see these videos because I'm packing my hospital bag this week too!

The frida disposable panties are amazing!!! I had a c-section and lived in them for a while postpartum. I think you packed just right, not too much and not too little. Wishing you a safe delivery!!!!

I'm doing nothing with the information now but I'm glad to see your journey and follow you on this new, strange life stage. Wish you all the best, simple labor and recovery!

This is insane Sarah! I used to absolutely live for your videos! I haven't seen any for ages I don't know why but wow!!! Your a mom now🥰 me too! Congratulations I'm going to binge watch everything I've missed💞 xxxx

Wow time went by so fast, so happy for you

I have been watching you since you lived with roommates in college. I’m 35 weeks pregnant and I clicked so fast these are the videos I have been watching non stop lol.

I am so happy for you and Ryan to meet your precious baby girl😊💕. I am also a mom to a girl, but my daughter turned 9 year-old in October (my favorite month). I can still remember this process and how it was the most nerve racking-amazing experience of my whole life. I am so excited for your guys❤️❤️❤️

So excited for you guys!! Hoping for an easy and smooth delivery and recovery!

I love you sharing all this! I’m so excited for you and ur mom era!!! ❤

Congratulations Sarah, so happy for you. 🎊 🎊

I’m a mom x2 & each time I’ve been in the hospital I always wanted lip balm & lotion lol something about being hooked up and needles just made me all dry 😬 also I do recommend snacks unless the vending machines are stocked up with nice stuff! So excited for you guys ❤

So excited for you! Hope everything goes well!

Yay Sarah! So excited for you guys. I’ve been following you for years and I’m also pregnant with my first so going through this at the same time as you is beyond cool. Sending love and light to you!

I really liked the reusable nursing pads on Amazon. Also please don’t fall into the fads of all of the gears and gadgets. I had my third and last baby in June and honestly most of the things you need can be replaced with blankets. I change them on blankets, blankets as burp rags, blankets to set them on instead of a play mat. Obviously do you but I know so many people feel like the need all of the stuff they see on RU-vid. I learned the hard way 😅

So happy for you Sarah. 😭❤️

Congratulations!!! So exciting!!! Highly recommend bringing your own blanket from home (for comfort) and tons of snacks!

OMG please help your partner pack! My fiance forgot sooo many things for himself/ wasn't satisfied and had a rough time being comfortable. I feel like a lot of people forgot that this is a huge experience for them too and get caught up preparing for themselves

I’ve been watching your videos since I was in middle school and now I’m watching this video while I breastfeed my newborn 🥹 I am so excited for you! 🤍

I'm so excited for you to have your beautiful baby, I know you'll be great and I wish you all the love and a safe delivery🥺❤❤❤

The frida mom disposable underwear are AMAZING !!! I bled heavily for about 3 weeks and wore these every single day. Also ask the hospital for a few of the big bed pads that look like puppy pee pads. I put one on my couch and bed cause even with all the pads sometimes you get leakage lol Oh and don’t forget chapstick for the hospital. The swaddled you have are great. We used them when we got home and I’ll definitely take one with us to the hospital for our next baby

so excited for you omfg

I'm so excited for you!!

I’m so excited for your Sarah! Best of luck! Can’t wait for you to be a mum! Been watching for about ten years 🥰

I'm so excited!

Good Luck Sarah!

Loving your pregnancy vids. Your slightly ahead of me so by the time you edit and post, I'm at the same point, 35+5 today 👍

I'm a FTM too, but everyone tells me to make sure you take hairties! Your hair gets all up in your face during labour, esp if you run hot already you'll probably want your hair out of the way. At my hospital if you don't have hair ties they give you rubber bands to use and bugger trying to get them out of your knotted sweaty hair afterwards. I'm also taking a hat for baby. And I have a last minute list on the bag for my partner to grab cause I won't remember at the time (my medication, drink bottle, frozen colostrum, his ID - apparently very important that your partner takes their ID esp if you aren't married/don't have the same surname)

I would definitely recommend buying depends! The underwear they give you in the hospital are wayyy to thin so i would definitely pick those up!

You don't know how happy I am for you!! 💖💖💖

im a 3rd time mom (due feb. 1st), i’ve been watching you since i was in high school & i actually LOVE how minimal you packed. i packed waaaaay too much with my first 2!!!

Your hospital bag looks great. I would recommend a second back up bag to keep at the house. I would put additional outfits for you and baby. I had to have an emergency c-section due to the Pitocin. It put him into stress. I only packed minimally, with the intention to stay one night. I was there for 4 days. Lol. I had to FaceTime my husband on what to grab at the house. Hopefully you don’t need a c-section, but it’ll save some time and stress if you’re ready to go.

I’m so happy for you! This is crazy, I watched you when I was 15, now I’m 22 :,)

I had my boy in june. Youre not doing anything too early, feeling prepared helped me feel better. I didnt think I'd use my fan but boy did I! They tried to teach my husband and I how to Swaddle over and over with a blanket & it was so hard. So, definitely take your newborn halo sleep sack. I'm so glad I had ours!!! The hospital gave us sooo much more than I thought they would - nipple butter, tissues, diapers, Wipes, hats for baby, and pacis. We even decided to supplement and they had all that stuff for us too. They gave me a hand pump too. Anything they give you take it, becuase they have to throw it out if you don't! My favorite and most comfortable combo was a diaper with the tucks and second best was a large pad + Frida mom undies + tucks. The Frida mom foam was given to me and honestly I'd buy it again too. Its pretty good. Your basket is perfect tho, it'll be so nice to have ready when you get home. I'm so excited for you! 🥰

So happy for you, Sarah! Hoping for your safe delivery and a healthy baby. I'm also pregnant and I'm on my 33rd week mark. 🤗🥰

I gotta get packed too! Due in 3 weeks but you never know. I'd recommend hairties, lipbalm, and lots of snacks and drinks

The fan is such a great thing to pack! That’s something I didn’t think and while I was in labor I got so hot and the nurses tried to track a fan down but couldn’t so they just gave me some cold wash clothes to put on my head and chest but they just did not cut it! Wishing all the luck!

So excited for you!

You have sooo many great picks in here!! I freaking LOVED the frida peri bottle, seriously must have! You won’t regret bringing it to the hospital! I would add a pen in with your folder because sometimes they are few and far between and it’ll come in handy when filling out the name documents and stuff! Also a pair of nail clippers or a nail file! My daughter came out with daggers! Once she dried off and her nails hardened in the air she scratched up her face! I also brought depends for myself because when I did my hospital tour they only supplied pads! It was so helpful doing a hospital tour before labor! They told us they didn’t have many pillows so to bring them from home! They also said they only supply disposable cloth diapers for baby so I brought our own for baby! Also highly suggest bringing snacks and Gatorade or coconut water, what ever you like! I was allowed to eat during labor so that was awesome and it was also nice having snacks for after delivery!! You look so well prepared as it is!! You are going to do great!!! 🥰

January is gonna be the best month yet, for me at least. I get to see my family after a year and a half, I get to indirectly bear witness to one of my favorite people giving birth( okay this sounds weird but ya know what I mean). Can’t be more excited even if I try. ❤ keep giving us updates !

Omgggg! I screamed when I saw the pj's lol I got the pink floral ones ones for my delivery 🤣

I did not even end up opening my hospital bag with either of my 2 babies. My husband on the other hand had chargers and extra clothes for himself. I brought my own throw blanket though because I just wanted something comfy. Other than that, I didn’t even end up showering in the hospital, I just waited until the next morning when I got home. I honestly didn’t even feel gross since you are using the peri bottle and tucks when you use the toilet.

Essential oils while laboring Speaker for music And your own towel and pillow Take as many of the hospital undies as you can, they are SOOOO comfortable and not so thick Congratulations 🎉

I tried using the hospital peri bottle but the Frida one really is SO MUCH BETTER. I ended up buying a second one to have one in both bathrooms. Also, I found the adult diapers to be so much easier than using the disposable underwear and mega pads that the hospital provides. Don’t get me wrong, I used them while at the hospital, but they sent me home with some and I ended up only using adult diapers. Tucks are 100% amazing, they feel SO GOOD. Good luck, mama!

definitely bring your own pillow!

I definitely recommend some easy snacks for your hospital bag! I gave birth at 3 am and was so hungry after and there was very little food options available.

That’s so exciting!! Don’t forget a hair brush and hair ties! X congratulations!! 🎉

Snacks. Snacks saved our lives 😂 a book since there can be some waiting time during labour.

Just looking at you i know you'll be a great mother ❤️

I've had to use the silver nipple covers the whole of my pregnancy. They are so good

I had my baby nine months ago and I feel some vital things you need are clothes for you and baby, SNACKS bc sometimes hospital food either isn’t great OR you just want something easy to eat when taking care of baby. Charger! Tooth brush and paste. Lip balm!!! Hair ties. Car seat for baby’s car ride home. And make sure you practice with adjusting the buckles and having a decent understanding the process of locking it in your car’s back seat. A warm blanket for your recovery at the hospital! (Nothing bulky). If you have an unexpected c-section it can be scary. I had one and it caught me way off guard bc we prepare for regular birth. Just to be safe buy compression socks for any foot swelling brought on from emergency surgery. Your hormones will be raging the first night after recovery so just allow yourself patience. All the hardships of birth will pass and you will be back to your old self in no time.

I didn’t even want to pack my own, I remember it was anxiety provoking and I avoided it as much I could… I feel in the end the only thing that mattered to me from the bag was the baby cute outfits :)

I hope she will be a Capricorn, I love Capricorns. And my younger sister was also born in January. Hope everything goes better than well, and your little girl come healthy and happy to our world 💕

Bring 2 sets of earplugs. You or Ryan might want to take turns resting, or you might be able to sleep if they have the baby. Hospitals can be loud.

I'm not pregnant, never have been pregnant, so the only thing I can think of to bring, knowing myself, is a book!!

The peri bottle is going to be so much nicer, I was told I didn’t need it so I didn’t buy one and I wished I had it the whole time I used the one they give you from the hospital. Just could never use all the water in the bottle because the bottle was not angled. So totally bring the one you bought.

A lot of people recommend the Depends diapers… LIFE SAVERS! Something to definitely not forget.

Just a suggestion, speaking from experience...Tucks pads are amazing, especially if you have an episiotomie (sp?). I have had 2 babies, and they really help when you are raw and sore down there.

I just gave birth at Kaiser they literally provide everything you need. Just hope you get a good nurse who helps out lol I wasn’t so lucky. I forgot chapstick and used the nipple cream, lotion and hair ties/brush. Hospital is super dry.

Even tho I’m gonna be 5 months tomorrow I’m watching this because I have no idea what to pack… I’m probably gonna bring more things that I need so please make an update of what you needed and what you didn’t? 😅 Also, been a follower since you had purple hair, so it feels like we’re growing together and going through the same experiences, kinda cool ❤

I honestly didn’t need anything I brought in my hospital bag while I was at the hospital. They gave me everything I needed and I stayed in the hospital gown till I left cause it was just easier. The fan you have though definitely will come in clutch. My hospital gave me one of those but idk if all hospitals do.

Bring your favorite snacks and an insulated water bottle for cold water!

I keep you in my prayers for a safe birth

Snacks, lots of them!

I'm having my baby girl in Feb 💟

Add chapstick and hair bands 😊

How are we already about to have baby?! You’ve only been pregnant for maybe two months I swear. 🥺🥺 I’m so excited for you to meet your baby

🖤

I wore Always Boutique underwear/diapers. They were so comfortable I didn't want to go back to my underwear. Also, I was in the hospital from Monday 4pm to Thursday 1pm and I FORGOT to brush my hair. I had a huge knot when I got home. Just fyi. I doubt anyone will be as ratchet as me but just in case. And the AAP recommends you stop swaddling at 8 weeks. I did not use the 3+ months swaddles I got.

Omg for some reason all I can think of is the cheesy sitcoms where a character is pregnant and they do rushing to the hospital episode.

❤️

Get as much sleep in before the birth as possible, that‘s my only advise xx

I know all hospitals are different but overall, hospital pillows and blankets suck! I recommend at least one comfy pillow for you and a soft blanket to use during skin to skin. Trust me on this!!!!

Bring snacks to the hospital! And cash for the vending machine.

CHAPSTICK, HAIR TIES

Don't forget deodorant! I would still bring a pair or two of "fuck it" underwear because sometimes you don't need the diaper, just a big, thick pad. I would also recommend a dress as a just in case, in case you're too sore for the pressure of pants. I would definitely pack 0-3 and 3 month onesies just to be on the safe side. My rule of thumb is to always have at least 2 onesies/outfits on you at all times in case of blow outs or spitting up. Babies go through a lot of clothes, its kind of wild. For when she is a little older, I highly recommend Wubbis. They're super cute and when they've outgrown the nipple, you can cut it off and then they have a cute little stuffed animal that's great for out and about. My kiddos are 6 and 4 and still have and play with all of them. You're doing great!

I packed my bag and then my water broke the next day 😐 she came at 36 weeks so it’s good to get it done Lmao

RU-vid ghosted me of all of these pregnancy videos! Im so angry!

Deodorant water bottle hair ties hair brush baby wipes

You are going to be in diapers? It’s been a long time since I had a baby, but I didn’t have to wear diapers after my son was born. My how things have changed