what to bring?

[Need2read]

What do you usually bring to the birth with you? I know midwives have a bag of things that they carry with them, what about all of the Doulas... Do you have a "bag" and what is in it?

[DL]

Hey Cortney,

We had a thread on this topic sometime before you joined us. You can view it here: http://alldoulas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301

There are really some great ideas on there. I'll copy/paste my post below from that thread. In addition to what I have on there, I just bought a couple of battery operated lights (looks like candle votives) from these sites.

Gentle Birth Light: http://gentleledbirthlights.homestead.com/Index.html

LED Votive Birth Candle: http://birthdiaries.com/store/products/products.html

I really like them and can't wait to take them to a birth!!!! These are great for hospital births where they usually won't allow real candles.
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Here's what is in my doula bag:

For Me:

My 3 ring binder (paperwork/notes, educational charts, copy of birthplan, etc.)
Labor Support reminder cards (small & on a keyring)...I seldom use
Small clipboard with pad of paper & ink pen (taking notes for Birth story)
Toothbrush/toothpaste/breath mints (not super strong ones)
Femine pads/tampons
hair brush
contact lense case w/solution
glasses (in case I need my contacts out for long labors)
change of clothing
money pouch (money, driver's license, etc.)
cell phone (although not on in the hospital)
Disposable camera (afraid I'll drop & break our digital camera)
Water bottle
Luna bars (3 or 4) (snack to keep up my energy)

For Mom or for "Doula tricks":

Safflower carrier oil and Lavendar essential oil (for massage)
Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion (if she doesn't want oil for massage)
2 Rice packs (w/ Lavender in them)...Mom keeps rice packs after the birth
Scalp Massager (from Bath and Body Works)
Omni Ball massager (great for counter pressure)
Mini and Reg. size neck/back massagers
2 small plastic combs (for mom to squeeze in her hands...form of acupressure)
Chilled Gel eye mask
Ponytail scrunchies
Birthball (although I don't take it to the hospital if they already have them in each room....AND...it doesn't fit in the bag!)

I think that's about it. I'd like to get a hand-held fan, and I need to get some peppermint oil !!!!!

[Kim Trower]

I think there was a post on this already but I'll answer again
I have a bag...it gets smaller and smaller though. I bring:
birth ball
rebozo
Mother Massage book
Emergency Childbirth Book
Fan
Honey sticks
Emergen-C
Doula Kit of essential oils made for me (Solace massage oil, Transition Myst, peppermint (clarity, focus), jasmine (feminine self esteem), lavendar (relaxing, calming)
Massage lotion (unscented)
Hot pack
lollipops
I also carry, arnica and rescue remedy but don't dole it out...I talk about it at prenatals, ask the mother to research them and that way if I offer it in labor they can tell me yes or no if they would like it.
I carry the clients chart, food for me, and water. I think that is it.

[Kim Trower]

oh yea, i bring mints...nothing like bad breath when everyone is in close proximity to each other..I offer them to everyone in the room.

[tlcdoula]

LOL - I do the same thing Kim!!! Breath mints all around.

[demetria]

I bring
Massage tools
Rebozo- I bring 2 types
Essential oils for scent
Labor Support Handbook
Tooth brush
Floss
Cliff bar
Water
Camera
Fetoscope
Change
Birthball
Hugs

Demetria

[MIA-D]

My bag is organized - use those school pencil boxes, things less likely to get crushed. Luna bars, Jolly Rancher suckers, pencils, pens, travel Yahtzee and cards (just in case of a stall) my notebook, The Birth Partner, extra batteries, toothpaste/brush for myself, change, my cards and brochures, tape, a goody for the nurses, some massage tools. I would love to learn to use the rebozo and more on essential oils so I can carry those things too.

Heather

[northerndoula]

I have a back pack style birth bag that also has wheels. So I can carry it as a back pack or wheel like a small suitcase.

I have lunch bag with snacks to keep me fueled. Gum, breath mints, tooth brush & paste.

Birth record form on card stock ...fold in half and keep it in my pocket for notes.

Massager, a few reference books with great visuals...small doll...to show positioning. Rice bag for heat therapy.

lip balm...socks...business cards...balloon with ping pong ball in it for teachin purposes.

I think that's it....mainly I use my hands & heart and a pen and the card stock.

Linda