What's in my Doula bag?

Almost every doula carries a SWEET bag of tricks with them to support birthing people and their families, and every doula prefers a different set — plus, the doula bag usually reflects our personalities! Here's a peek at the items in my current doula bag:

My doula tools!

💠 My rebozo! I always have this beautiful multi-colored fabric handy when I'm with pregnant people, even before they're in labor. It's such a useful tool! It can be used in so many ways. You can read more about it here.

💠 My pre-mixed essential oil blends for relaxation, nausea, and energy. A few drops of these oils on a cotton round can really help the mind and body during intense moments.

💠Massage oil for, well... Massages! Feet, back, hands, whatever you need!

💠Arnica oil. Arnica (Arnica Montana) is a very effective remedy for sore muscles and muscle aches when used topically. I usually mix this with my massage oil.

💠Snacks like honey sticks, hard candies, and granola or protein bars. Birth is HARD work and a little boost from some of these helps immensely when you're trying to keep energy up.

💠 SO MUCH WATER, caffeine is great and all but dehydration will wear you down so quickly! I bring myself a big reusable water bottle and a bunch of flavoring packs to share.

💠 Temperature control items like hot and cold packs. Hot packs are great for pain relief or relaxation as well and birth can get sweaty which is where the cold packs come in.

💠 A pack of new Combs! Not just for brushing hair, but a comb can be used as an awesome distraction from contractions.

💠 Flameless candles to set the mood. At night, the hormones that increase the contracting nature of your uterus – estrogens and prostaglandins – predominate. And oxytocin and melatonin hit their peak at night too. Setting up a relaxing environment with dim light can be incredibly beneficial to the progression of labor.

💠 Portable speaker for music if it's requested. I also have a specific playlist set up that is just relaxing and empowering instrumental music.

And more! These are just a few of the most commonly asked for things that I bring with me. But, to be honest, the most useful tools I carry with me EVERY SINGLE DAY.

My hands!

As awesome as all of the tools are (seriously, some of these are SO great during labor) all a doula really needs to help theit clients is their hands. A doulas hands are used for so many things. From massage, acupressure, a comforting squeeze, to wiping the sweat from your brow and holding your hand when you need it most.