What’s Inside My Doula Bag

Here’s a peek inside my doula bag! Maybe you are a new doula and are wondering what you should add to your bag, or maybe you are a mama who wants to be prepared for labor, or maybe you are a birth partner and want to be ready to support your loved one. I’ve been a doula for a couple of years now and here’s everything that both me and my mamas have found helpful.

WHAT’S INSIDE MY DOULA BAG

Manuka Honey Lollipops Honey is amazing at giving us a natural, quick boost of energy, After being in labor for a few hours, you will want to refuel and what better way to do that than with something natural and yummy like honey. I carry two options! One as a lollipop because it’s fun, it gives mamas something to do and they taste great!

Manuka Honey Packets If we want something quick and easy, I also carry honey packets. PS, I always share with papas too.

Mini Portable Fan Mamas body is working HARD during labor and for hours! Hormones are also shifting during labor and can increase blood flow and circulation causing mamas to feel hot or sweaty. I keep this on hand and either mama holds, it or dad! I usually massage mama, or work on some counter pressure while papa fans mama. I love to involve dads and my mamas love having their partner close.

Galaxy Light Projector If it’s one thing I love is having a good vibe! One way I set the mood in a labor space is by using this Galaxy Light Projector. It was several color options and all of the families I’ve supported have loved this! It usually gets tons of complements from hospital staff too. This one has a built in bluetooth speaker. The speaker quality isn’t amazing but it does the job. I usually stream my mama’s music into my JBL speaker instead.

JBL Bluetooth Speaker Having music or affirmations playing during labor really encourages mama to keep pushing through every contraction. I encourage my mamas to create playlists for their big day! They’ve played jazz, reggaeton, affirmations, lo-fi beats, their wedding songs etc. and it’s so fun to watch partners catch a vibe during intense moments.

Flameless Flickering Candles - Rechargeable My favorite thing about these is that they are rechargeable! I usually like placing these in the restroom so that mama can rest in the tub, or labor on the toilet without having to turn on any bright lights. Dim lighting is very calming for the nervous system and gives a sense of safety.

Cotton Rounds Some people use essential oil diffusers in labor spaces and although they are great, I rather use cotton rounds! Placing oil on cotton rounds allows mamas to experience aroma therapy without committing to a smell. If mama changes her mind on the scent, I can easily toss the cotton round and switch it up!

Organic Orange Essential Oil A citrus essential oil is helpful for a boost of alertness and elevates the mood! If one of my mamas is needing a little pick me up, I will give her some of this essential oil on a cotton round to smell.

Organic Peppermint Essential Oil This is a MUST HAVE! Peppermint helps with nausea and during labor nausea and vomiting can happen. The scent stimulates the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, which is why inhaling peppermint oil often brings relief quickly. I love using this in labor but especially during transition! Pro-tip, put a few drops in a disposable bag for mama to smell. If she needs to throw up, she will have the bag handy.

Peanut Ball for Labor Me and my peanut ball are like this 🤞🏽. She comes in handy when mamas need to rest during labor but we also want to make some space for baby to travel through the pelvis. She’s there for mamas who are on epidural but still want to create some movement in the pelvis and hips. I love her! Most hospitals carry peanut balls but I always like to bring my own just in case.

Birthing Ball The birthing ball is also my BFF! I usually let my mamas borrow it during their last trimester so that they can practice some movements and get comfortable with using it before the big day!

Hair Ties Sometimes it’s the little things. There’s a lot of movement, we get sweaty, there’s bath time, and we don’t want our hair in the way. These come in handy for myself and for my mamas.

Organic Almond Oil A comforting touch is so important during labor for many reasons. Massage can help mamas relax, improve circulation and enhances bonding. I usually massage mamas but I make it a point to let their birth partner also participate in massage. We want to make sure we are getting some oxytocin flowing between partners 🤎

Extra Large Heating Pad I find a heat pad to be extremely helpful when mamas are laboring and feeling contractions in their low back. Think of it as using a heat pad when you have a sore back or are experiencing menstrual cramps. It has the same effect! After labor, I let mamas keep the heating pad for themselves.

Kroma Bone Broth Packets Labor takes a lot of energy and that energy needs to be replaced. Usually when you’re in labor you won’t feel very hungry but it’s still important to get the nutrition you need to keep going. Sipping on bone broth is an easy way to get some energy and something nutritious in your belly.

Electrolytes Electrolytes can help with hydration support, energy, mental clarity and labor progress support! Sodium and potassium regulate the body’s electrical impulses, including uterine contractions. Adequate electrolytes may help contractions stay strong and effective, supporting smoother labor progress.

Chomps Beef Sticks I love bringing these for myself! Labor can be long and squeezing a nap or a meal can be a little tricky. Having a beef stick is a quick and easy way for me to gain some energy. I always bring several to share.

I hope you find this peek inside my doula bag helpful! What’s in your doula bag?

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