The Ultimate Doula Bag

My packing list of the things I actually use at a birth! My doula bag IS a Marry Poppins bag. Over the years there are things that had to be replaced because of the amount of use they had, and other items I ended up putting in my bathroom cabinet or giving them to my friends because I almost never used them. Here is a list of 25 things I use at birth as a doula. Some of these may surprise you and hopefully this can inspire your doula bag journey!

I know they always say the only things you need to attend a birth are your heart and your hands and I totally believe that. There are plenty of births I've attended were I've barely used anything in the doula bag, and other births were I have used everything!

Do you remember the movie The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez? Growing up I used to dream about having a fanny pack of everything you could ever need for my job!

I am a pack rat, not because I like clutter because I don't! I just feel confident when I'm prepared and organized! And I love to be over prepared! So here is a list of things that I actually use at births! So without any further introduction let's jump right in!

1. The bag itself!

So the type of bag you want depends on your preferences. I've used a duffle bag because it can double as a pillow, but I'm also a big fan of the backpack! If you have a lot of equipment you don't want to lug around a hospital parking lot a roller bag is a great investment! So here are my top picks for doula bags!

The Duffle Bag

The Backpack

This may seem like overkill but if you are packing a change of clothes, a warm sweater, a rebozo, or a peanut ball this stuff adds up and a backpack with a lot of pockets and compartments is a great way to keep it all organized!

The Roller Bag

I love this roller bag! This is an elegant solution for the problem of lugging a lot of birth equipment through parking lots, and hospital waiting rooms! Taking this around with me to birth feels professional and organized, and the best part is not being winded by the time I make it to the birth!

2. The Rebozo

This is such a great tool not only for pain management but I've also used it for belly sifting to help baby come into alignment! Having one good rebozo that's strong, somewhat flexible and long can be a game changer in a birth! There are so many creative ways to use the rebozo!

3. A Cozy Sweater

Birth is an athletic event so you will likely be supporting someone who is hot and sweating. Whether you are in a hospital or a home birth it's very possible the A/C will be cranked up! No matter what season we're in I always have a sweater packed so that I can layer up!

4. A Handheld Fan

When I was in transition during the birth of my son I was nauseous and burning up! I had my husband right next to my face with a fan and it felt amazing! In my doula experience I have been to so many births where a fan was essential towards stage 2! I went through several types of handheld fans and this one is my favorite!

5. Knee Pads

These can double as a doula tool and a client tool! I've put on the knee pads on while assisting and I've seen these come in handy when my client wants to be on hands and knees! I love these gardener's knee pads because they're super soft and they're made to be resting on your knees for a while!

6. Reusable Hand Warmers

Since hot towels don't stay hot for very long, I love wrapping these in a wash cloth! I've spent hours with one of these pressed against my clients tail bone. They are excellent for encouraging relaxation and helping to ease muscle tension!

7. Massage Roller

I love this massage roller so much I've bought 2. I used this constantly on my legs and back during my pregnancy and it's wonderful for rolling tension out of tired limbs. I prefer this one to the others I've tried because the foam has the perfect give and firmness.

8. Cooling Bandana

This felt so great during my labor and it's much more convenient than continuously wetting cool towels. I keep this in my bag with the ice packs and luckily in a hospital the staff is typically always willing to bring you more ice.

9. Reusable Ice Packs

I used to bring ice packs that I kept in the freezer but I quickly realized how much better a refillable ice pack would be. I love these I actually keep 2 in my birth bag and 1 at home in my bathroom and I use them all the time!

10. Yoga Straps

These are the best straps and they can be used in so many ways! They are tough, and can be used during assisted squats, pushing and for support! The loops make them so versatile and allow my client to figure out what feels right for them.

11 Calm- Magnesium Supplement

This has been used and reused so many times! I have used this to keep my nerves at peace during a long birth and I've known plenty of my client's family and support people who appreciated it as well! Birth can be an adrenalized event for the family, especially for first time parents. I've poured cups of this for husbands who just need to breath after holding tension in their shoulders for 10-15 hours. This doesn't make me sleepy but it keeps me at peace and helps me to hold a calm energy even when I'm sleep deprived and mentally tired.

12. Avene Facial Mist

I absolutely love this facial mist! I keep this with my ice packs and it feels so good! After staying up all night, or laboring all day this helps keep everyone feeling refreshed and relaxed.

13 Toiletry Bag

I don't even have to tell you what goes in this but just for a full explanation yes, this is where I put my toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup remover, moisturizer, sanitary products, supplements, hair elastics, and anything I might need if I'm spending the night at a birth.

14 Portable Battery Charger

I of course also bring a wall charger to a birth but this is nice if outlets are limited or aren't close enough. My phone is often responsible for music, photography, and record keeping so I always want a backup to ensure it never dies.

15 Coconut Massage Oil

My clients are so unique and they all have different preferences as far as scents, and natural products so choosing a simple coconut massage oil typically pleases almost everyone. I can use it to dilute essential oils and it makes a great carrier oil, or I can use it alone.

16 Water Bottle

I know this water bottle is big but personally I need the volume! I can so easily get absorbed in everyone else's needs, and what is happening at the birth that it can be very hard for me to step away and take care of myself. Having a big water jug reminds me to stay hydrated and helps me keep track of my intake. I love the straw and the handle, and it's worth every inch of space it takes up in my bag!

17 Bluetooth Speaker

I am typically the birth DJ, and even when I'm not the speakers come in handy for my clients to connect their music playlist. I have so many birth playlists of meditation music, classic rock, and symphonic music. One of my favorite births I've ever attended we listened to the happiest and most relaxing reggae playlist that completely set the tone for my client to feel loved, supported, joyful, and relaxed!

18 Honey Sticks

These are great for a quick natural energy boost! I personally advocate for snacking during labor and this is always a staple in my bag. I can also add these to my tea or coffee!

19 Natural Shilajit

I am a shilajit nut!! This supplement is my go to favorite for everything! It's an adaptogenic mineral pitch created from thousands of years of compressed Himalayan mountain rock! In India it's a popular Ayurvedic remedy and it's known by some as the "blood of the mountain." It's full of fulvic acid and trace minerals. I mix this in my tea and it immediately makes me feel restored with deep nourished energy. Unlike the caffeine buzz energy that leaves me crashing later this feeds my nerves and I can take this in the morning or at night without any interruption of my sleep!

20 Essential Oils

I love essential oils but every client has their own preferences and aversions. I've had clients who are allergic to lavender and some who are addicted to the smell of frankincense. I try to carry a variety of oils. I recommend doing research before administering oils to a client because some may potentially cause negative outcomes. I distill my own essential oils but for rarer plants I like to use Rocky Mountain Oils. They are completely transparent with their lab results, and they don't cost and arm and a leg.

21 Reusable Cotton Pads

These are wonderful if it's been a long night and i feel sweaty or grimy. I can use hot water or a toner and instantly feel a little refreshed and clean. I love these reusable pads because they reduce waste. My clients use these too and I just wash them when I get home.

22 Facial Moisturizer

This is my favorite travel/birth moisturizer! It's so rich and feels amazing. Being in a hospital, getting no sleep, and little to eat can wreak havoc on my skin. My goal is typically to keep it clean and hydrated. If I'm at a marathon birth and I've been up all night I have a 3 step routine with my reusable pads, facial spray, and moisturizer that is quick, convenient, and leaves my skin soft and fresh!

23 Portable Water Heater

This is a great trick I picked up from another doula. This water heater is so fast and I can make a quick tea for myself when it's late and I feel like a pick me up. This is great to share with clients and family too. This little guy can heat a lot of water.

24 Portable Tea Infuser Thermos

I love this thermos! It's so cute and comes with an infuser so I can put a scoop of my favorite tea into it! I love tea and this is a great way to keep it convenient on the go!

25 Birth Ball & The Peanut Ball

So it wouldn't be a doula bag without the birth balls. I honestly have been keeping these in the trunk of my car this past year. Most hospitals in my area have their own so it's good to check with the nursing staff before you spend the time blowing one of these up. I still use mine occasionally because when the hospital is busy all the peanut balls may be in use. I'm glad I have them but it's also nice to not need them, and nice to see hospitals supporting those birthing options.

Birth Ball Cover

I love my birth ball cover! Being able to grab it by the handle is so much more convenient, and I can wash the cover between births.

Peanut Ball

Electric Ball Pump

I used a handheld pump for a long time but I'm so glad I got an electric. I can just plug this in and focus on connecting and supporting the family while it does its job!

BONUS: If you just want a little extra

LED Candles

I love putting these in a hospital room but mainly in the bathroom! During natural birth if you're staying hydrated you need to go to the bathroom a lot, and you can dim the light in the hospital room but the bright lights of the bathroom are harsh! Especially for clients who love laboring in the bathroom, in the shower or on the toilet these are so great to help create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.

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