What should I pack in my doula bag?

I’ve been working as a doula for fifteen years and as I’m writing this it makes me wonder where the time has gone!  I have to say, over those fifteen years I pride myself on having turned packing my “doula kit” into a fine art.

Here are some ideas of what you might want to pack in your own doula bag. I want to start by saying that it’s probably best to have a bag that is not too big and takes up a lot of room. You will most likely be helping your clients with their bags as well as your own. A backpack might be a good idea or a nice tote bag that’s easy to carry. It’s also useful to have a smaller bag or pouch within your chosen bag with essentials like mobile phone and charger, keys, change for parking machines or vending machines, and a few snacks, so you can be sure to always have these to hand.
 
The following I see as essential, which is why I’ve included them in the BirthBliss Doula Starter Kit:  
 

• Honey - for you or your client for an instant energy boost.
• Special Aromatherapy Blend – with aromatherapy oils specially blended for labour and birth.  
• Battery operated candles – good to use both in hospitals and home births.
• Lollipops – helps stimulate a spot inside the mouth that helps with labour.
• Combs – for your client to use to stimulate pressure points in the hands during labour.  
• Facial cloth – a must in a doula bag! You can use this to cool your client’s face, neck or shoulders.
• Doula Recovery Drops – to help you recover and rebalance after supporting at a birth.  
• Torch – brilliant to help midwives see better whilst still keeping the lights low.  
• Disposable Toothbrushes – brushing your teeth is great for making you feel a bit fresher if it’s been a long birth.

 
Other items to consider:  

• Bendy Straws – these make it easier to offer a drink to your client.  
• A pen and notebook – to keep little notes to remind yourself of times and events.  
• Spare knickers and top – just in case it’s a long one and you want to freshen up.  
• Deodorant/shower gel – so you can freshen up!  
• Pure massage oil – olive, grape seed or another plain carrier oil. These are unlikely to irritate sensitive skin, and you can add your own aromatherapy oils.  
• Sanitary products – fun doula fact: labour and birth can bring on   your period. It happens to many doulas!  
• A hot water bottle – to put on your client’s back or tummy.  
• Handheld fan – to keep you cool or cool your client down.  
• Pashmina or large scarf – nice to cover yourself when it gets a bit cold in the early morning hours.  
• Hair bands – for you and your client.  
• Lip balm – keep one for you and a spare for your client.  
• Hand cream – hands can get dry in hospitals with all of the antiseptic gel.
• Snacks for yourself (and maybe some extra for the client and her birth partner too!) – like bounce balls, fruit, muesli bars, a jar of peanut butter with a spoon… High calorie and nutrition dense food is perfect for keeping you going, as is chocolate. You could make a sandwich too.
• A copy of your client’s Birth Preference Sheet – worth having to give to midwife and to remind yourself.  
• A book to read in case things are going slowly or your client doesn’t need hands on assistance, or a reference book like Penny Simkin's “The Labor Progress Handbook”.

 
This is not a definitive list and all doulas will have their own things that they like to take with them. You might find that there are some items you never use, some you find yourself missing; with time, you’ll find the right kit that works for you.
 
Thinking of becoming a doula? Download my Aspiring doula Mini-guide now.

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