What’s in my doula bag

When I first became a birth doula in 2005, one of my doula elders wisely noted, “Your doula bag will get bigger and bigger for a while, as you learn more tricks and add more items. And then it will get smaller and smaller as you realize all you really need are your heart and your hands.”  She was right!  Now that I serve primarily as a midwife, my doula supplies are packed a little differently.  But I still have a backpack in my big midwife suitcase so that I can quickly transfer my doula supplies into it for doula clients or if I am transferring to the hospital with a midwifery client. 

So what’s in my doula bag now?

Client’s information

I have a folder for each client with all the information shared during our prenatal meetings, including addresses, directions, and parking information for their home and place of birth, a copy of their birth plan, and details about their preferences and personalities.

Honey sticks and electrolytes

I keep a pair of nail clippers in with my honey sticks, designated to open them. I also stock electrolyte powders, bone broth powder, and powdered miso soup broth. Disclaimer: it may be preferable for clients to supply their own consumables, especially in case of allergies or any concerns about botulism, litigation, etc.

Rice sock 

A rice sock is a tube sock filled with rice and sometimes flax seeds, dried herbs or essential oils. It’s easy to make at home and can be microwaved or heated in an oven. Sometimes I’ll bring instead a hot water bottle or reusable warming packs to provide heat and comfort to the laboring person’s lower back, neck, belly, etc.

Massage oil, essential oils, and massage tools 

I carry a spray-on liquid coconut oil, and essential oils of lavender, peppermint, lemon, clary sage, and jasmine. Client allergies and preferences sometimes come into play. I used to carry a tube sock with two tennis balls. And there are some lovely wooden massage tools to be found. I also offer my clients craniosacral therapy, which is a form of bodywork that requires nothing but the hands.

Rebozo

I usually use a sarong to serve as a rebozo, which is a traditional Mexican shawl, used by women for many practical purposes, including in traditional Mexican midwifery to help support relaxation and optimize baby’s position during pregnancy and labor.

A Fan, a cold wash cloth

When the laboring person gets hot and sweaty late in labor, we can really grab whatever is on hand, such as a magazine, folder or a piece of cardboard. But I love my beautiful, folding fan. It’s also really nice to lay a cold, wet washcloth over mama’s neck or forehead. We can grab a bowl or container with ice and water to refresh a washcloth. These items are usually on hand in people’s homes and birth places.

Homeopathic remedies 

I carry this kit plus some extras for labor, birth, and baby. Homeopathy rocks. It’s important to know how to use remedies appropriately and to have consent from clients.

A TENS unit

Actually I don’t have a TENS unit, but it’s on my wish list. Some clients find them helpful for pain relief, especially in early labor.

A big plastic cup

Actually, I also don’t pack this. But it’s so nice to have one on hand to pour water over the laboring person’s belly or back while they’re in the birth pool or bath tub.

A birth ball or peanut ball and extra pillows

I don’t pack these either. They’re just so handy. Many hospitals have them. And clients can purchase/bring their own.

Clinical items

I bring my fetoscope, hand held doppler and gel, and a few disposable gloves. Doulas must be mindful to act within our scope of practice and honor our agreements with clients and the birth team regarding our roles.

Personal care items 

Caring for others requires self care! I keep a baggie with things for myself, like a toothbrush; deodorant; mouthwash; change of clothes; phone and charger; ID; cash; water bottle, a powdered mix I made for myself with vitamin C, collagen powder, salt, coconut sugar, and electrolyte powder; trail mix, jerky, and fruit.  I’m mindful of clients’ allergies when packing snacks.

Extra batteries for anything battery operated!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be in a doula’s bag?

Each doula’s bag is unique! At a minimum, a doula bag should contain client information, personal care items, phone and ID. Some doulas bring lots of comfort items, ritual items, affirmation cards, instruments, electronics, and more.

What should a doula wear to a birth?

There are no set rules for doula attire. I recommend wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing that can get soiled and be easily cleaned.  Layers are useful, as the room may be alternately cool and warm. Extra socks and changes of clothes may be needed, especially if showers and birth pools are part of the picture. Consider the religious and cultural practices of your clients, as modesty may be very important. Some doulas wear scrubs to fit in with medical staff. Some doulas wear clever tee-shirts designed to identify them as a doula with style! And sometimes doulas choose to disguise their professional role and blend in as a family member.

What does a doula consist of?

A doula is not a primary care provider but rather a support person who provides physical, emotional, informational, and spiritual support to a birthing person and their family during the childbearing cycle.  There are prenatal, birth, postpartum, grief, abortion, full-circle, and death doulas, each with a different focus of practice. It’s important to work with someone who can serve your particular needs and with whom you feel very comfortable and at ease.

What should be in a doula contract?

A doula contract usually consists of a financial agreement, including refund policy, an outline of services, expectations of the client, doula back-up arrangements, and the doula’s on-call availability. You can explore my holistic birth doula services here.

Work with me!

If you’re looking for a doula or midwife in the Baltimore area, feel free to reach out to me or schedule a free consult.

240-997-5319, netsitsah@hotmail.com