A peak inside a professional birth doula’s bag! Here is every tool, comfort item, and essential I bring to support labor—covering pain relief, birth positioning, calming vibes, and partner/doula stamina. Perfect for expecting parents packing their ow...
Sections
6
Organization
Mothering the Mother
Nutrition
Positions
Atmosphere
Personal Items
Organization
Sometimes things move really quickly, or I don't want to take a long break for myself, so I want everything super organized!
This hardshell suitcase keeps everything in good shape, the wheels are convenient so I'm not lugging a giant duffel, and I appreciate the inner divider. Bonus that it's carryon compatible; I do use it for travel too
20 Inch Carry-On Hardside Suitcase
A must-have for keeping like with like
18 Pack Mesh Zipper Organizer Bags
I keep this on my keys, trust me when I say you do not want to get caught needing your ID and not having it!
Zip ID Case
with the built-in wall plug and built-in cords, this is a super nice portable charger because you don't need any additional cords. and it holds a lot of juice!
Portable Charger
Mothering the Mother
pain relief and pampering
I use these to do a warm compress in between pushes if the mom would like. They are softer than facility washcloths!
Baby Muslin Washcloth
I wear these if I'm doing a warm compress or encountering other fluids (water breaking, for example!)
Nitrile Disposable Gloves Individually Wrapped
fragrance free oil for massage. i like this one because it has never once leaked all over my bag!
Fragrance-Free Body Oil Serum
a lot of moms do get nauseous from contractions so i love having this on hand
Nasal Inhaler Stick - Peppermint Essential Oil
these are great tools for pain delocalization
Birth Comb & Acupressure Massage Ball Set
TENS unit for pain delocalization and massage. some clients love it and swear by it, some hate it and then we just take it off!
TENS Unit
full disclosure i actually dont have this yet but it's on my list, and will use it to pamper mom, promote relaxation, increase oxytocin
Head Massager
can be used for a sore muscle or to help mom with her temperature, or just as comfort. i do like the rice packs better but it's a pain to have to leave the room to heat it up.
Instant Heat Pack
honestly same use as instant hot packs!
10 Pack Instant Ice Packs
tennis balls are great for massage and pressure points. they do inevitably end up falling on the floor and bouncing at least once per birth
Tennis Balls
pain delocalization and can provide some pampering for mom
Acupressure Massager
this one is extremely affordable and I love it! holds a charge well
Massage Gun
Good for mom after vomiting and honestly for keeping the whole team fresh!
LIFE SAVERS Pep O Mint Breath Mints
Nutrition
think quick-digesting carbs for mama, long-lasting for the doula, and plenty of caffeine!
some quick-digesting carbohydrates for mama!
Nate's Honey Minis
I always bring more than I think I'll need- yummy and quick disgesting carbs for me, momma, and support person
Welch's Fruit Snacks Fusions
quick-digesting and easy to eat for all of us
GoGo squeeZ No Sugar Added Applesauce
Delicious and ties me over for a while during a long birth!
BUILT Puff Protein Bars
the right size for me not to be lugging around anything too heavy, and can mix in electrolytes if needed!
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Bottle 24oz
NOT the sugar-free kind- we need those carbs! I always end up sharing these
Liquid I.V. Hydration Electrolytes
not very “crunchy” of me but I love to slam one of these before the pushing phase for an overnight birth! I usually pack 2 in case the birth partner needs one
Mini Alani
Positions
tools to get
Rebozo- gotta shake the apple tree!
Mexican Rebozo Shawl Blanket Doula
Peanut ball! I usually leave this in my car just in case, but most hospitals and birth centers lately have them. Adult ones from Amazon are too big
Peanut Ball Chair, Flexible Seating for Classroom
for so many different positions. if the floor is hard, we don't want that to hinder you from doing a position you like
Extra Thick Foam Kneeling Pad
I love having this on hand for a quick consultation and troubleshooting. It's color coded so you can quickly see which positions are good for helping in which situations, and includes epidural as well!
Labor Positions Poster
Atmosphere
items for a calming and cozy vibe! hygge hygge hygge
steer clear of harsh overhead lighting to maximize the cozy vibes
Rechargeable 12 LED Tea Lights with Remote
calming sounds and lights in one! Can double as a white noise machine for after baby come, to drown out some of those hospital noises
Light Projector Sound Machine
I love this one because it requires no power source or batteries, and it's pretty mellow
Small Passive Lava Rock Diffuser
clary sage is a must for labor, as it may strengthen contractions and increase oxytocin
Clary Sage Essential Oil for Diffuser, Skin, Hair, 1 Oz
lavendar is another great essential oil to have on hand to increase relaxation
Lavender Essential Oil
many moms are interested in watching during crowning and it can be really motivating! most facilities have one, but just in case!
Hand Mirror
the birthing mamas temperature has to be just right! i love this fan- it is POWERFUL and holds a charge for a long time, plus the clip is handy.
Clip-On Portable Fan with Ice Cooling
a tiny speaker that packs a good punch and can be moved to wherever it's needed. i like to bring it in case a clients dies or they didnt pack one
Small Bluetooth Speaker
Personal Items
taking care of myself helps me take care of you!
I'll bring this IF I feel like we're going to be resting (if there's likelihood of an epidural and the birth going overnight)
Soft Cozy Travel Blanket
I actually do not think I could fucntion at my job with my hair down!
Kitsch Large Hair Clips
Sometimes if it's been a long night I just want to give myself a nice birth bath
WaterWipes Sensitive Whole Body Cleansing Wipes
I do take some of the items out and save them for traveling, but good to have the toothbrush, paste, deodorant, small comb, etc and then I add in hair clips and wipes
Travel Toiletry Bag
I don't do scrubs but I do love to have a change of shirt (and undies! and socks!)
Birth Doula T-Shirt
I know the price tag is crazy but it is tried-and-true the BEST shoe for me for being active and standing for long periods
On Womens Cloud 6
my pants of choice! nice and lightweight and lots of pockets
CRZ YOGA Ease Line Cargo Pants 30"
I do at times get a headache with an overnight birth but it's nothing some good ole vitamin i can't fix
