What’s in your doula kit?
As a doula with over 12 years experience and doula trainer this is a question I get asked a LOT.
And the answer does vary from time to time depending on what kind of births I’ve been attending and what new and wonderful things I’ve found useful in supporting people. I don’t tend to be a doula rocking up to a birth with a suitcase of stuff but these are some essentials I carry.
Here’s my top 5:
The first thing that I probably use the most is a birth pool, liner, and of course the pumps to inflate and empty the pool. I’ve been using the same brand of pool for a while now and always buy a professional grade pool if possible as these last the longest. Owning a pool is incredibly useful as you can lend them out to clients and even hire them out to other home birthers.
Secondly it would have to be my Elle TENS. People and TENS machines are a bit like marmite … they love them or hate them. That said I find used properly from early on in labour women/ birthing people tend to find they bring much needed relief, at least in the initial stages. I always have a huge stash of spare pads and batteries. I also have 3 different TENS machines as I tend to lend these out to every client regardless of where they’re planning on giving birth.
Of the other tools I have that provided relief from the sensations of labour my favourite would have to be aromatherapy because not only can it be used on the individual in labour it can also be used to relax a space and help create a sense of calm and grounding within a new or medicalised space. One of my favourite forms of aromatherapy is the relaxation roller balls from Jess (an OBC doula) at Oyster and Olive birth.
My trusty rebozo wrap has been with me to every birth I’ve attended since I bought my first one (I now have several in different lengths, materials and colours). I’ve taken a long time and done many different practioners trainings to enable me to be confident in using rebozo in the birth and postnatal space.
Finally …. labour combs! They’ve become increasingly popular recently and I’ve always found them to be a really effective form of pain management as birthing person has full control over using it, its completely non invasive and as soon as its released from your hand it stops having an impact … so no long term effects!
I also have a huge collection of hard boiled mints and sweets (for me and for my clients,), hair bands, lip balm, straws and an adaptor/ charger. Other bits and pieces - an eye mask (very useful for keeping out those bright lights and building oxytocin) and headphones, and a variety of massage balls and space fairy lights! All these things have been useful I have a small wash kit for me including a toothbrush, pain meds, and some homeopathy.
If I’m supporting home birth I will also take a peanut ball and a birth ball and a night sky projector but I do try to encourage all parents to have a birth ball at home to support them through pregnancy so its not often you’ll find me carrying one around!
Please note this blog post contains an affiliate link for Elle TENS.