Ever wonder what is in that good old bag us Doulas carry around?...
We’re here today to chat about all the goodies that we as doulas couldn’t live without in our doula bag! When it comes to packing for an upcoming birth, we make it a priority to have everything that you may want or need for your labor. As your doula, we are always prepared! Of course everyone has their own signature items they like to carry with them, but here are some things you can expect MOST Doulas, especially the ones on the How 2 Mom team to have on them at any given time?
Snacks
As Doulas, we are firm believers that food is fuel! Our bags often have a variety of goodies, but we always bring our famous homemade protein energy balls for the entire team!
We also make sure that we have a good amount of healthy items to keep us going through our client’s entire labor, delivery, and the postpartum time that we spend with them. Some of our favorite things to have packed also include honey sticks, hard boiled eggs, electrolyte drink packets, beef jerky, bananas, oranges, trail mix, applesauce, cheese sticks, and almonds.
Water
Hydration, hydration, hydration. This is OH-so important to keep us energized and ready to help in whatever way necessary.
Rice Socks & Flameless Candles
One of the many things a doula provides is comfort! Our handy Rice Socks can help aide in compression for counter pressure techniques and can provide heat by tossing the sock into the microwave. We also want to help you set the atmosphere for a relaxed and calming journey. The flameless candles do just the trick!
Rebozo
This beautiful accessory is a MUST have! Traditionally, these large scarves were worn, used and past down by Mexican women and used during pregnancy and beyond to carry their infant children. Check out Spinning Babies to read all about different techniques this can be used for. To find out more about the uses of a Rebozo during pregnancy, labor, and beyond, click here!
Literature & A Notepad
It’s common to find Doulas carrying around their personal favorite resource when attended a birth. We come with a lot of experience, but every birth is different and we always want to be prepared. You may also find your Doula jotting down notes during your labor. At How 2 Mom, we love to write Birth Stories for our clients and the notes come in handy when writing those. Notes about your labor can also be useful while processing.
Mints
Who wants someone with stinky breath assisting them with their breathing at their birth?? We didn’t think so!
Your comfort is our #1 priority. Often times you will find us scattering mints around the room in various places so other personal/members of the birth team have easy access to fresh breath as well! Labor can be a lengthy process and the timing is unpredictable. Given these unknowns, coffee is OFTEN involved for the birth team to stay alert, but this way mints are ready to combat that caffeine breath!
Assorted Toiletries
These items are for anyone in the room. Sometimes a mama may decide she needs her hair up pronto and a binder can’t be found! Leave some of these details to us!
A lot of the time, you’ll find we keep a variety of things on hand just in case you have a preference or request. Headbands, clips, hair ties, hairbrush, toothbrushes, kleenex, bandaids, mirror (which can also be used to see baby when pushing), and chapstick! You name it, we probably got it!
We also keep a toothbrush/paste and deodorant along for our own personal use.
Change of Clothes
Juuuuust in case! Again, we always like to be prepared 🙂 You can often find a sweater/cardigan or long sleeved T in our bags just in case the room is kept colder for the comfort of the birthing mama. It’s common for us to get quite the workout during labors though too, so options are important! It’s sometimes nice to just have something fresh to change into post birth, before heading home.
Essential Oils/Lotions
Oils are the BEST! And no, this is not just a hippie thing 😉 Aromatherapy during labor can be such an amazing tool. Each birthing woman has a different aroma preference too! These can be used for calming/soothing, pain, nausea, or alertness. Our staples include, but are not limited to lavender and peppermint. Visit the shop page to find some of our favorite blends; also see Wellness for more information on brands we love!
And there you have it!
We hope this list gives you some insight on some of the items we may keep in our bottomless doula bags! They are always packed and ready to go as your due date approaches! 🙂
Love,
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