We've talked about what's IN your bag, but what KIND of bag do you use?

Tiffany · 09-22-2005, 11:06 PM

What do you use for a doula bag?

I started off using a huge diaper bag from the Gap (it was on sale) but didn't like the way it sat open and it didn't have very many compartments. So that become my beach bag. Then, I bought this medium-sized messenger bag from Walmart and that has worked out pretty well for prenatals, but I know it will be too small for a birth (I wouldn't be able to fit a change of clothes in there with everything else). So I am probably just going to use one of our luggage set's duffle bags.

loveslabor · 09-22-2005, 11:39 PM

Or maybe one of those rolley backpacks that you see school age children with.

raspberrymoondoula · 09-22-2005, 11:43 PM

i've got the one from the oriental trading catalog iwth all the pockets on it, they have ti decorated up as a teachers bag but it comes plain and i got my logo embroidered on it. its huge, and everyitnh is noe neatly organized and easy to find with the pckets :-)

DL · 09-23-2005, 01:39 AM

I have a large, burgundy duffle bag with several zippered compartments and one large middle zippered compartment. I bought it at Big Lots for $15---a great deal!!!

My mil is in the embroidery business (does things for lots of companies) and she embroidered my name and Labor Doula on it. It has a pull-out handle and wheels. I can carry it with the top handle like a regular duffle bag...or pull it along (one end up and one end down) with the pull-out handle and wheels. It's great for the hospital hallways and paved parking lots!!

tlcdoula · 09-23-2005, 10:40 AM

I actually have two bags. I have a rolling bag with stuff in it for me - clothes, books to read, food, and toiletries. When I work at the hospital I can take a shower before I leave and actually do it because usually once I get home I have to be mommy and just won't have time to do it then.

For my doula bag I have a separate small suitcase that has a strap that I carry over my shoulder.

I like having two bags because then if clients want to borrow something for use on the mom they know they can enter the doula bag without asking. In the past - twice I have had people enter the bag when I had them combined and taken stuff that was for my personal use (once it was my food and another time it was one of my Insteads, which for those who don't know is a feminine product).

Matrescence · 09-24-2005, 10:36 AM

I have a backpack with lots of outside stretchy pockets for water bottles and extra stuff. I use the main compartment inside for all of my doula stuff and the smaller middle compartment for my stuff

~Tranquility~Doula · 09-24-2005, 10:48 AM

I use a large duffle bag with lots of zippered compartments. I used to have 2 bags, one for me and one for my doula stuff . I like just have one bag for everything now.

It's filled with crap I never use.

I was thinking about slimming down to a tote bag with the things that I use the most.

Kalamazoo Doula · 09-25-2005, 12:41 AM

I used to us a duffel bag, but I kept bumping into things and people, so I decided to get something that I can drag, because both with both local hospitals, it is a nice walk to get to L&D. When I used the duffel bag, I had too much to carry, because I had the duffel bag, my tote for my files, my purse and my small cooler for my pump and bottles and food for myself. It was a lot to deal with! LOL So I saw a 5pc luggage set at Target and it was only $30! I use all but one piece, and that one is the 'captain' bag, which is what most consider a carry on. It was just too small for everything. It came with a toiletry bag, which is what I use it for, the set came with a smaller carry on, which is now what I use for my files and paper work. I use the larger of the set for my birth stuff. I have not had the chance to use it yet, but I will any day now!

I would love to be able to get something embroidered on it, so I'll have to look into that. I really love the set because I was able to get in red, which has turned into my calling card! When I attend births I wear a red scrub top and khaki colored scrub bottoms, and now at one hospital I'm known as the doula with the red shirt! I do have my top embroidered with my name and birth doula on it!

I was thinking of slimming down, but I bring a small CD player, and have not found anything to carry all of the stuff that I do use a lot, like a knee pad, and tub pillows, cd player with cds and some massagers (well, okay, I rarely us those, lol) It is nice to just drag the bag along with me though! I would like to be able to go down to the carry on size though!

susan1 · 01-30-2006, 01:12 PM

I went today to Kmart to buy a bag. However did not know which one to buy.

I was thinking about a backpack my husband was thinking about a duffel bag but then I saw a carry on wheeled bag (not sure what the name) however I kinded think that the wheeled bag be to big however I like the fact I would not have to carry the bag either which be nice. Last time I used my compter bag without the computer. It worked at the time however I am taking a little more this time.

Susan

MothertheMother · 01-30-2006, 01:32 PM

I am so excited about the bag I just found. It was on clearance so I only paid $12 at Target. It is a pretty good sized gym bag but also has wheels. The best part is the bottom of the bag is a separate compartment. In other words the top has a regular large zippered compartment and the entire bottom of the bag opens like a suitcase. I like that I will have a separate compartment for my personal things like snacks, change of clothes etc. Of course I love that is is pink/black/gray. Yes I am a girly girl! In addition to that bag there was also a small carry on bag and a back pack (messenger style) inside. Ok, so I got a little carried away with the excitement. I was willing to pay $30+ for bags I was not crazy about and I do get worked up over a good deal!!!

gemasita · 02-02-2006, 10:28 PM

Ha ha! I am so glad I caught this thread. I couldn't sleep last night and I started thinking I needed a new bag. I didn't know what I needed, just that my current one isn't working. Then I was thinking how crazy I was for thinking about a bag at 2am and that maybe I was making a big deal over it.

But I love to hear what other people use!!!!

MindOverLaborDoulas · 08-21-2006, 04:20 PM

I have a labor bag and a business bag. My labor bag is one of those over your shoulders but hangs low flops over kind that's sage green. My business bag is a black thing that holds files standing up. Help ya?

fearlessbirth · 08-21-2006, 04:25 PM

For my doula goodies I have the teal corduroy duffle bag with 2 outer small pockets then the whole bag is divided into 2 sections. My friend said she found a trendy diaper bag (with lots of compartments and pockets) that she thinks is perfect! (This duffle also came with a little clutch-type bag I take that has all MY personal stuff in it...advil, tissues, mints, gum, toothbrush, pads, etc.) As for the paperwork I have a big pink accordian file at home with everything in it and I just bring a clipboard w/pen with their file clipped to it.

joyfuldoula · 08-21-2006, 04:31 PM

I have a regular over-the-shoulder bag; navy blue with the breast cancer awareness pink ribbon embroidered on it. Has one pocket inside, large enough for snacks, clipboard, and other misc. items. The clipboard with pen attached has been awesome for the dr. to fill out evaluation and for me to take notes.

doula Michele · 08-21-2006, 04:34 PM

Mine is just a red tote bag type thing.. with hawaiin print. I am looking for something more trendier and more my style though...

Michele