What Is In My Birth Bag As Your Doula?

If you are a current or prospective client of mine, or you are also a doula and you are curious as to what I bring to births, you are in the right place! My birth bag is FULL of tools to help mamas, dads, AND even myself! So, lets just dive right into my birth bag!

First up I have my tea lights:

Tea lights are amazing to set the mood at your house as you labor. If you are a having a homebirth, then no need to bring them to your birth place. However, if you are planning a birth center birth or hospital birth, I am easily able to grab these and set them up at your birthing place as well. We want to make sure to keep the lights dim and set the mood for the room.

Up next star projector:

Again this can be used at home or at any birth setting. Creating an environment that is quiet, calm, dark, is imperative to help mamas feel safe

and relaxed. This star projector is STUNNING. Theres a reason we light candles and dim the lights during hot steamy baths or intimate times 😉 Hello Oxytocin!

Another tool in the birth bag is a battery powered fan:

Labor is hard work!! Mom will most likely be hot and sweaty at some point during labor. Especially if she utilize a shower or tub! I remember lovingggg the water, but being way too hot at my own birth! This fan is amazing. It clips right on to anything, and is battery operated. I ALWAYS pack extra batteries just in case it runs out.

Next, a rebozo:

If you dont know what a rebozo is, basically it is a woven scarf. Traditionally used in Hispanic cultures. This long woven fabric has many many uses! I am able to help with abdomial lifts, "shaking the apple tree", and abdominal sifting. I can also tie a knot on one end and close it in a door frame, this allows mom to grab on and "swing" from it. Rebozos are also great to play tug of war with during the pushing stage! I encourage you to type "Rebozo during labor" in Google and look up all the different ways this can help. Many many uses, one of my favorite tools!

Next I always have a TENS unit:

This was an absolute life saver during my own birth when I had back labor! Placing the TENS unit on the low back and increasing intensity during contractions can make contractions much easier to get through. This is due to The Gate Control Theory of Pain! (If you arent familar with this theory, look it up!!) Love utilizing the TENS unit in active labor, right before transition.

Next a labor comb:

Again, this works because of The Gate Control Theory of Pain! Labor combs are nice also because while squeezing the comb, mamas can work on relaxing their faces, shoulders, and booty. The only thing tense should be their hand, everything else gets to relax. Love love love labor combs!

Up next Cups:

Cups can be a handy tool, especially in early active labor. I will often place coconut oil on the lower back and do some cupping. This can feel really really nice and momentarily take your mind off of labor. Increased circulation and a nice relaxing low back massage may be the trick to get mom through to active labor or transition.

Next I have essential oils/coconut oil:

I always make sure to bring cocnut oil for a few reasons. Main reason being massage!😍 Other reasons include: perinal lubrication if mom prefers coconut oil to the "hospital lube" & to put on babies bottom before that first meconium poop. Babies first poop will be black and STICKY. Putting a little coconut on babies butt will make cleanup of that first poop much easier. I encourage mom to bring her own coconut oil, but if pregnancy brains gets the best of her, I always have some. In my EO case I also bring Lavender, Eucalyptus, Serenity ( a relaxation blend), Citrus Bloom ( citrusy/floral uplifting blend), Balance ( a grounding blend for uneasy feelings), Aromatouch (for massage), and Peppermint ( to help with nausea)! I also pack Clary Sage. Clary Sage is a natural uterotonic. It can increase the intensity and consistency of contractions. This is a great tool when coupled with movement if labor seems to be slowing down.

To go with EO, I always pack a diffuser:

Diffusers are great! Not only for medicinal aromatherapy, but for just making the room smell nice! If you arent an essential oil person, doesnt mean you dont like nice smelling things, right? Birth has a lot of bodily fluids and sweat and it often happens in small spaces. Having a diffuser present benefits mom, dad, doula, nurse, midwives, hahaha it helps everyone!! ALSO, studies do prove that aromatherapy works and can relax/improve mood. Thats why spas always smell nice and evoke relaxation...aromatherapy 💆‍♀️

Lastly, a portable birth stool:

This birth stool is soooo awesome! It is portable so I can use it at mamas home, as well as break it down and bring it to birth place! It can be sat on directly, it can be put under feet while sitting on toilet (squatty potty style), you can sit backwards on it while holding onto a rebozo above you! Alllll sorts of ways to use this birthing stool. It is also metal so it cleans up/ Cavi-wipes down perfectly! I'm obsessed and WISH I had this at my own birth. Please look up birthing stools and look at other cultures ultilizing this awesome tool.

Not pictured, but I always have:

• Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, floss, lotion, chapsticks, hair ties, brush. Mom made need a hair tie, dad may need deodorant 😅, I may need to brush after eating lunch. I pack tons of travel sized goodies just in case any of us need something.

• Medication. I am not a huge fan of pharmaceuticals. But I do pack Aleve/ Ibuprofen. In case dad or a family member gets a headache or something. Mama needs support and if that means popping an Ibuprofen for a headache and getting back at her side, I have some on hand.

• Electrolytes, honey sticks, & snacks: Labor is long and hard! Moms need ample electolytes to stay hydrated. I try to ask which flavors mom likes, and I will pack a variety. Honey sticks are an easy way to get in some quick energy. Food may sound gross, but honey sticks are typically tolerated well and still give a boost of energy! And of course, lots and lots of snacks. For me, for dad, for mom. Whoever is hungry, I have snacks haha!

• Gum! Along the lines of snacks, gum. Moms senses are heightened during labor so bad breath is not an option.😬 Gum for dad, gum for me. Anyone near mom gets gum!

• Batteries for all my gadets.

• Extra charger

• Bluetooth speaker! I forgot to photograph, but I always bring a small bluetooth speaker for home use and for in your final birthing place. Birth playlists can make all the difference!

• Extra change of clothes for me. Birth can get messy!

I think that is all. Im sure I'm forgetting something. Haha I am typing up blog post as my son nurses himself to sleep on me, so forgive me if I left out a few items. (Busy mom, business owner, part time RN life😵‍💫) Moral of the story, I bring lots and lots of tools. As well as, lots and lots of snacks/ comfort items. I want mama comfortable. Dad comfortable. And I want everyone to have any items they may need! It seems like a lot to pack for just a few hours, but prepartion is key. Having these items on hand makes ALL the difference when it comes to having your dream birth and everything going smoothly.❤️ I look forward to putting together a similar post on my "Educational Props." Keep your eye out for an announcement on my social media page @mothersintuitioncda !!