A lot of people wonder what doulas carry in their doula bag of tricks. What surprises many is that the majority of what we carry we don’t even use at the birth. Our most important tool is our hands. This tool is always available to comfort and support the mother.
Sometimes though, mom may need a hair band to keep her hair out of her face or a fan to help cool her off. This is when our bags come in handy. To give you an idea of what a doula carries I’m including what is currently in my bag. Please keep in mind that after each birth the contents may change. I sometimes decide that a certain item is no longer necessary or may find a need to start carrying another. It is a continuous learning adventure for us all.
So, in my bag you may find:
- A rebozo
- Fan
- Toiletries for me and mom (toothpaste, toothbrush, hair bands, floss, wisps, facial cleansing cloths, brush, ibuprofen, baby powder, face powder, hairspray, deodorant, Chapstick , mouthwash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner)
- Emergency birth kit (gloves, baby hat, chux, emergency blanket)
- Honey sticks
- Altoids
- Gum
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand held mirror
- Ipod headphones
- Chargers
- Phone
- iPad
- Hair clips
- Olive oil
- Lavender massage oil
- Sweet orange essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Money/change
- Separate bag containing a change of clothes for me and snacks (Lara bars, trail mix, dried fruit, etc.)
- Business cards
- And a name tag
At some births I use these continuously (especially the rebozo, massage oil, and hair clips) and at others the mother just needs me to help her walk her baby down. My point is that doulas carry these items so we can support the mother however she needs us to.
