“So, what do you put in your doula bag?” This is a question I get asked a lot, both by clients and by other doulas. So, today I unveil the contents of my bag! I like having all of these things on hand, but I do want to say that the tools I use the very most are these: my hands and my voice.
My Doula Bag:
The Bag: Big enough for all my stuff and I love the design. If you’re wondering, it’s from Honduras. One of the perks of growing up in Central America.
Change of Clothes: Just in case. Because, you know, birth does involve a lot of fluids and other fun stuff.
Straws: I use these a lot. It’s so much easier to just reach into my bag when my client needs a straw for her drink than to try to find one in her home or in the nutrition room at the hospital.
Hair Elastics: Helping client hair stay out of the way, one band at a time.
Mints & Gum: Perfect as a quick pick-me-up, for a client who has a sour taste in her mouth after vomiting, or for partners who grab a cup of coffee and then regret it when the birthing mama can’t stand their breath. True story.
Kneeling Mat: Handy for kneeling by tubs or in front of mothers without killing your knees.
Lotion: Foot and hand rubs can be so nice and relaxing during birth.
Chapstick: For clients’ dry lips from all of that focused breathing and hard work.
Doula Snacks: Because we get hungry, too!
Rice Packs: So nice warmed up and placed on the perfect spot on a mama’s back.
Rebozo: What can’t you do with a rebozo?
Pen & Notebook: I take notes during each birth and then compile them into birth stories for my clients.
Not pictured: I just added some honey sticks and have plans for a tube sock stuffed with tennis/racquetballs for massage.
So, that’s my bag! What’s in yours?
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