The Doula's "Goody Bag"

the doula bag that is. Later we’ll get to packing the mama bag.
For 22 years I have been attending births in this town. Some were planned attendances and others were last minute calls… either by myself as I needed births for my training, or mothers as they realized they needed more help than they thought. I have shown up in shorts from a family picnic, with nothing but a buzzer, and I have shown up with a backpack, canvas tote, food cooler, purse, hat, coat, gloves…
Eventually, through the example of a fellow (do I make that sound more feminine?) doulaI created my own list of things to bring. And, then I even went so far as to have my bag packed. SO, if you are a new doula and need help this might be a starting point for your. If you are an experienced doula then I would LOVE to have your opinion and any suggestions.
Doula Bag Contents

Scripture and Song sheets
Compact Bible
Chapstick
Aromatherapy wrap
Aromatherapy lotions: orange ginger, cucumber, ginger, eucalyptus spearmint
plastic massagers, 2
rebozo
pony holders
comb
tennis balls, 3 in a can
disposable camera
tissue pack
Tic tacs
Sour candy (relieve nausea and moisten mouth, sugar for energy boost)

Things to add:
Wooden roller (for holding [pressure points in hands] and lower back)
Aromatherapy oils:
rose (has affinity with reproductive system, assist circulation, encourages deep breathing, antidepressant) or
rose/lavender (combined with lavender effects),
ylang ylang (calming and anti-depressant for those who are fearful and anxious),
neroli (reduces fear and apprehension, helps proper breathing and concentration)
Rose spray if no oil is available (see above for rose)

Explanations for each item

1. scripture and song:
When the mother reaches the “I can’t do this anymore.” stage do the following: first, let her know that no, she can’t do this without relying on Christ as her Rock, but with Him all things are possible. Then bring out verses and songs to recite to/with her as an encouragement. Try to have others sing with you, have the father read the verses as the spiritual head of the house.

2. compact Bible:
for those who may want their own verses, or for times away from the birth when the doula needs strength and comfort.

3. chapstick:
for the mom after she has been using breathing as a tool for a while. Watch for the dry lips and offer chapstick and ice as appropriate. Keep the chapstick free of odor as the mouth and nose are so close that the proximity may allow the aroma to cause nausea towards the end of the active phase and especially in the transitional phase.

4. Aromatherapy wrap Chamomile/lavender: lavender dulls and eases pain, but intensifies contractions, also to soothe headaches
a. kneaded by hands, less aroma and good stress reliever.
b. Heated for lower back for back labor and pain as baby descends.
c. Heated for abdomen when the pains/cramps are uncomfortable.

5. lotions should be used during massage or when odors in the room are aggravating the mother
a. orange ginger: orange relieves fluid retention in ankles and legs
b. cucumber: calming
c. ginger: both calming and energizing
d. eucalyptus spearmint
e. jasmine: analgesic and anti-spasmodic, calms and engergizes, uplifts emotions

6. plastic massagers: may be used on lower back or on upper legs. May also be held by mother and used without assistance.

7. rebozo: long scarf to be used as an extension of the doula’s hands. Hold so it cradles the abdomen and use to relieve pressure. Especially good while leaning forward to relieve lower back pain. May add a heating or cooling element for comfort as well.

8. pony holders: when the laboring woman’s hair begins to bother her, offer her the use of these to hold back her hair , terrycloth holders are most effective in holding the hair back without breaking it.

9. comb: clench so tines press into crease between palm and first knuckle or across the palm so that it does not hit the valley by the thumb.

10. tennis balls: may be clenched in the hand to relieve stress or used to press against lower back for relief from back labor. The can may be wrapped in a towel while the balls are inside to provide a solid form and used to roll up and down the back.

11. disposable camera: in case the family forgets their own camera

12. tissues: at the end when all are crying… or if needed earlier.

13. Tic tacs: freshen the breath of caregivers. And, peppermint can alleviate an upset stomach… so the laboring mother may try one if she desires


I hope this list and the explanations were helpful. In the future I will be discussing which verses I use and various hymns/choruses of which I have copies. Please leave a comment…
Happy Birthing,
Kim