What I really needed...

douladot · 02-21-2007, 09:07 AM

On my latest, very long birth, these are the things I realized I need to have at EVERY birth from now on:
1) Change of clothes for me.....a shower would have been fantastic, but I didn't want to put on the same stinky clothes, lol.
2) More snacky foods for me and dad.....and honey sticks for all, but especially would have been great for the mom.

What I used out of my doula bag ---- rice sock (biggest needed item and much used). Birthing egg as a focal point, one massager (the four pronged one, can't remember the name).
But mostly I used my hands and my almond oil with lavender. Now I know what I can start weeding out of my doula bag.
Oh yeah, and I referred to Penny Simkin's Labor Progress Book and also my Official Lamaze Guide book. Those were absolutely great and much needed at times!
Thought I would share and maybe it will help some just starting out realize what they will actually use at a birth and need and what can be left home! Your hands (and heart) really are the best tools that a doula can provide!!!

doula Michele · 02-21-2007, 09:14 AM

Yup.. thats about all thats in mine. - except the rice sock and scented lotion, we can't use them at the hospital. The rice sock would have been great at the clients home, before heading off to the hospital at my last birth... they didn't own anything like that. No hot water bottles no nothing....

tlcdoula · 02-21-2007, 09:14 AM

I totally agree. Almost every birth I go to I have this bag of tricks and I let dad/partner know they can take anything from the bag they want, but I typically only use my massage oil and my hands (and voice). I remember when I carried this huge bag full of stuff - I spent so much money and now I realize that I am really all that is needed

Nice to know the same applies with you!!!

douladot · 02-21-2007, 09:17 AM

Oh yeah, I meant to add that the rice sock was not looked on too kindly at first by the staff....they said they really didn't allow them, but they kept warming it up every time we asked them to....I guess they saw how much relief it really did make and didn't worry too much about "hospital policy"....even had a few of the nurses say they had them at home!

tlcdoula · 02-21-2007, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by douladot

Oh yeah, I meant to add that the rice sock was not looked on too kindly at first by the staff....they said they really didn't allow them, but they kept warming it up every time we asked them to....I guess they saw how much relief it really did make and didn't worry too much about "hospital policy"....even had a few of the nurses say they had them at home!

Did you bring a bowl to put the rice sock in? I know in my area they are frowned upon unless mom bring a bowl to put it in because typically they will use their "food" microwave for this purpose.

SarahMcKay · 02-21-2007, 09:31 AM

I've started carrying the disposable Therma packs because of the microwave issues. I've seen microwaves that were so dirty I didn't want to put my rice sock in it!

douladot · 02-21-2007, 09:49 AM

I wasn't allowed to put the rice sock in the microwave as it was in the nursing staff lounge....so, I am not really sure how dirty or clean it was. Although, I do remember it coming back with what appeared to be a food stain on one occasion....so, I will use the bowl trick next time or the Thermapacks, but those are pretty expensive and with this birth I would probably have gone through a gazillion of them!

MIA-D · 02-21-2007, 09:50 AM

What is a birthing egg? ( I am having a brain fart )

Heather

douladot · 02-21-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingedheartdoula

What is a birthing egg? ( I am having a brain fart )

Heather

I will try to find a picture of one online or take one of mine, but it is a ceramic "egg" with the face of a baby protruding through one side and a little baby butt on the other side. It is a great focal point and gives mom that "visual" that they sometimes need. You can also hold it and squeeze it. I got it from Teri Shilling from Passion for Birth. It was like $20.00 with shipping and handling I believe! My DONA trainer had one on display when I took my training and I asked her where she got it because I loved it so much!

JerseyJess · 02-21-2007, 10:25 AM

I have removed a lot of stuff from my bag-but it is still pretty darn heavy as I still carry and use at almost every birth: CD player/CDs, my camera, wooden hand spools, rice sock, massage lotion, 2 aromatherapy oils, sleep mask, recently I"ve added LED lights and I always carry my rebozo (makes a great shawl when not being used on a mom) I also have the Labor Progress Book and my guide from the Spinning Babies workshop-plus their chart and then toiletries, snacks etc.. for myself. And can't forget the cumbersome blue birth ball-lol!

tlcdoula · 02-21-2007, 10:25 AM

I would love to see a picture because I have never seen nor heard of this.

tlcdoula · 02-21-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerseyJess

I have removed a lot of stuff from my bag-but it is still pretty darn heavy as I still carry and use at almost every birth: CD player/CDs, my camera, wooden hand spools, rice sock, massage lotion, 2 aromatherapy oils, sleep mask, recently I"ve added LED lights and I always carry my rebozo (makes a great shawl when not being used on a mom) I also have the Labor Progress Book and my guide from the Spinning Babies workshop-plus their chart and then toiletries, snacks etc.. for myself. And can't forget the cumbersome blue birth ball-lol!

You have to take your birth ball with you? I used to, but now all the hospitals have their own. It makes it so easy. As for the heavy bag issue - why not get a small rolling bag? That is what I went to and it has saved my back!!!

UtahDoula · 02-21-2007, 10:28 AM

I use gallon size ziplocks for microwaving rice socks. I also frequently use the knee pads (like for gardening), bobby pins and ponytail holders (for moms who always seem to forget) and large, diaper style safety pins.
But a big AMEN to spare clothes, shoes, food and toiletries for the doula!

MIA-D · 02-21-2007, 10:31 AM

Quote:

my guide from the Spinning Babies workshop-plus their chart

Man I would love to take the spinning babies workshop.

JerseyJess · 02-21-2007, 12:11 PM

Yeah I have to bring a birth ball-only one of the hospitals has one and it's never inflated enough. Also I used to have a rolling bag but switched to a backpack bc the rolling case took up too much room and I hated that I had to lay it flat to unzip it-the backpack I can shove in the closet or sit on a chair, and the different compartments make it easier-at least I have a strap for the birthball-a lifesaver!

I LOVED the spinningbabies workshop, definitely the most informative childbirth workshop I've attended.