What’s in a doula’s bag?
When I get the call that it’s go time, I come rolling into the hospital with an overstuffed backpack decorated with uterus pins and “Doula at your Cervix” paraphernalia. You may see that bag and wonder if I’m taking a weekend trip away. But because birth is unpredictable, doulas come prepared with all sorts of goodies to help mamas as they do the hard work of birthing their sweet babies. Each bag will look a little different, reflecting the doula who carries it. I opened up my doula bag, and here’s what I have stuffed inside.
LED tea lights. This can help create a calm atmosphere in an otherwise chaotic environment. It’s a whole vibe.
Copies of the birth plan. In case you forget yours, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Peppermint essential oil roller. This helps with nausea that the mom may encounter at some point in her labor.
Snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Birth can be really long and we need fuel to keep going.
Notebook and pen. I like to jot down a timeline of events during the birth so that we can reference back to it if we need to later. Sometimes mamas have trouble remembering when things happened after the birth and this helps! I also track how often the mama uses the bathroom. You’re welcome!
Wearable hot/cold pack. Heat and cold can be soothing for a laboring mama. I like that mine can be heated or frozen based on the mama’s preferences and she can strap it on and walk around with it.
Rebozo. This long woven piece of fabric can be used for all sorts of positions and exercises during labor. It can help encourage baby to get in a better position for birth.
Honey straws. Sometimes a woman just needs a quick little energy boost during labor!
Long bendy straws. Asking a mom to lean her head back to take a swig out of a water bottle can sometimes be too much in labor. Straws make drinking easier for her. It’s the little things!
Hair ties and clips for mom. Because pushing with hair falling in your eyes and mouth is no fun.
Coffee. Babies really like to be born in the middle of the night, am I right?! Since we like to be awake for the birth of your baby, we caffeinate.
Gum. Doulas spend a lot of time up close and personal with mom. When it’s 3 am and I have coffee breath, you’ll be glad I also brought gum.
Extra change of clothes. Because birth sometimes gets a bit messy and you never know where that amniotic fluid may end up.
At risk of sounding cheesy, the absolute most important thing that I bring to birth are:
My hands. If your birth comes at a totally unexpected time and I have to fly to the hospital at the last second without my bag, I still have my hands (at least I hope so. If not, SOS!) And even when I have a full bag, my hands are what I use the most in birth. I am there to comfort you, bring calm and reassurance, fetch whatever you need, and do whatever move helps bring you relief.
My ears. I listen to your thoughts, fears, and hopes for your birth and your baby. Sometimes a mom just really needs a safe place to verbalize what’s on her mind.
My belief in your ability to birth your baby. I am on your team. And I will be with you every step of the way until you are holding that sweet baby in your arms. You’ve got this mama!
