8 years a birth educator and doula and I’m leveling up, y’all! I bought myself a sweet carryon-size, rolling doula bag. I can think it some sort of graduation or just acknowledge that I’m getting older and cranky. I was tired of digging through the black hole that was my original backpack style doula bag. I was also sick of schlepping it around and having absolutely zero extra space. So, this morning I retired the bag I’ve been carrying for years and had a great time reorganizing my gear and packing it all into my new rose gold roller.
It was fun to see everything out in the open, all together. Believe it or not, I only use a very small bit of what I carry at each birth that I go to. I see just a handful of my gear at a time. A few things that always make an appearance though- my Rebozo (or one that my clients already have), the small stroller fan, and the battery powered LED candles. The rainbow Rebozo that I keep in my bag is a special one, it’s the Rebozo I used to wrap my own belly during my pregnancies and that saw me through my last labor. I’ve also used it to gently sift the bellies of countless laboring mommas and birth class participants. Needless to say, there’s a lot of love and birthy vibes weaved into that garment. The flameless candles have also long been a favorite of mine. They can soften the light in the harshest of hospital bathrooms and make the space a bit more inviting.
Aromatherapy and acupressure both have been clinically proven to aid in labor comfort and overall satisfaction with your birth experience. I carry a few pre-diluted essential oils with me; frankincense for tension relief, lavender for relaxation, a citrus oil for nausea, as well as peppermint to energize and uplift. I most often find myself applying a few drops to a paper towel and diffusing the scent around the birth space that way. Occasionally clients like to use essential oils topically and it is such a wonderful addition to any hands-on/massage support myself or partner might be offering. Knowing how often I have clients using the shower during labor I also keep a few aromatherapy shower tabs in my bag. Throw one on the bottom of the shower and enjoy the relaxing lavender or invigorating eucalyptus scent.
I carry a few tools for acupressure during labor as well- my most favorite spikey balls as well as the nausea relief Sea Bands. The spikey acupressure balls can work wonders for a momma that’s especially handsy during labor, activating pain relieving acupressure points in the hands while also offering a bit of rhythmic distraction from those waves of contractions. I love the set that I purchased here.
A warm compress can also be really helpful in easing some labor discomforts. I absolutely love the large rice pack that I carry with me in my doula bag (I love it so much that I have two others at home that my family and I use regularly). A couple minutes in the microwave keeps this pack warm for up to an hour. It’s got a bit of weight to it as well which I have really come to appreciate- it helps it stay in place and makes the gentle heat from the rice pack especially comforting when used on the abdomen for those post birth contractions. Who doesn’t love a nice warm hug?! Actually, in labor you might feel warm enough so if that’s the case I have a fantastic cooling towel that we can use instead!
One of the newest additions to my doula bag is the TENS unit. After watching a handful of clients use and love their TENS machine during labor in the last year I decided to get one for the bag. I purchased the Elle TENS which is specifically designed for use during labor and birth, making it super intuitive and easy to use. Another risk-free way to lessen discomfort for many and make for a more satisfying labor experience.
Most of what’s left in my doula bag are personal items. I always have a few snack options- quick and easy, something protein packed, a little something sweet is always nice to have. The essential toiletries, of course, and a fresh change of clothes often comes in handy during those marathon labors. I also pack a cozy pair of socks to wear at homebirths. I have a small journal to jot down labor milestones and notes as well as a few “thank you” cards for some of the exceptional care providers I get to work alongside.
All this, a little more, and there’s still space to add a bit! Were there tools that you used during your labor experiences that you felt especially essential? Let me know what you might add to my doula bag.
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