« What to pack in your Doula Bag »

I've had several Doula bags over the years, and many different items that have gone in, and gone out of those bags. Over the last few years the number of items I bring is becoming less and less, and I've been asked over and over to share what I typically pack. So here you are! 

My personal bag:
Most of what I pack these days is for self-care.

• A change of clothing and shoes for the hospital. 
• My camera, cell phone, chargers. 
• A note pad with a pen for recording birth notes that the family may like to have, and notes for myself. 
• Generally, I bring a book related to birth, for something to read if it's a long birth & as a quick flip to guide if I want to call on another opinion, The Labour Progress Handbook is a good small book to bring. I usually bring what I am currently reading. 
• My knitting. Same as above, minus calling on another opinion. 
• Tooth brush, tooth paste, good hand soap, deodorant (I use baking soda), hair ties, some vegetable oil for dry skin and massage for mama in a pop-top container great, or use a more solid oil like coconut/shea butter, lip balm, essential oils like lavender if you need a moment of calm, rescue remedy, typical medications or vitamins, emergen-C packages, pouch of change for vending machines or coffee, plus basics like wallet/keys.
• A water bottle (I bring it empty, and fill with water on arrival). 
• Coffee in a travel mug usually leaves with me, and I bring some tea bags to brew another beverage if/when needed. 
• FOOD! This is my biggest item in my birth bag. I bring a number of snacks, like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, granola bars, tetra packs of nut milks, fresh fruits & vegetables (bananas, apples, carrots, celery, etc), plus some bread for toast and a solid meal. I like to make a freezer meal, and when I'm leaving the house put it in my bag frozen next to any items that should be chilled. I bring a lot of food because I don't have the option of eating cafeteria food, the vending machines are often broken and filled with junk, and clients homes don't always have things I can eat as a vegan. I bring enough for a couples days of nourishment. 

My Doula items bag: 

• A comb for acupressure points. 
• A small ball for squishing. 
• An item that could be used as a focal point and/or to hold in the hands (small smooth stone works great). 
• Vegetable oil for massage, no scent. In a pop-top for liquid oils or a container for more solid oils like coconut or shea butter. 
• Essential oils in a sealed bag, with cotton balls. I only use essential oils on a cotton ball I can flush if the smell becomes bothersome. Same idea as the sealed bag. 
• Cornstarch for dry-massage and also useful for greasy Doula hair as a dry-shampoo. 
• Flameless battery operated candles in a small votive. Great for in the hospital. My luxury item. 
• My Robozo, which gets used for many different purposes. 
• A manual massager. I don't like battery operated ones because most clients have rejected them loudly in labour. 
• A rice sock and/or magic bag. 
• Pool noodle cut for a massager. 

My top most used items are my hands, and a warm/cold washcloth, both of which aren't in my bag. As a Doula you don't need lots of items or things, just strong hands, strong arms, a warm heart and the ability to keep yourself energized to serve her. Most labours I don't take anything but food and my camera out of my bag. As a new Doula I thought I couldn't go to a birth if I didn't buy an expensive Doula bag, or make one myself. There seems to be lots of pressure to have the most bountiful birthing bag. I take just the basics now, it's still 2 bags, but better than what I used to bring! 

And really, as a Doula you don't want your junk filling up their birthing space at home or in the hospital, specially the hospital! Such mental clutter, I opt for small amounts of items, stored away in my backpack.

My Robozo, currently serving as a wall hanging.

I hope this insight into my Doula bag helps prepare you for your upcoming births, specially as a new Doula. 

Experienced Doulas, what is in YOUR bag?