Hello Ndi Nkem!!!

In honor of World Doula week, I want to share some of the things you will always find in my doula bag. I became a doula in April 2019, and you can read about my process through that here. Since then, I had a few clients before Covid disrupted that work. But here are some of those things.

Money

This is very important, especially for hospital births. My first doula experience was a hospital birth and it lasted for over 24 hours. I had to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hospital. It is very important to carry cash (cash or card) to make sure you can feed yourself. You never know how long the labor will be so your snacks may run out. You want to be able to support mum at your best, so being hungry is not a good look.

Food/snacks

This is important especially for home births. Sometimes mom may have food for her doula, but you don’t want to depend on that. Feel free to bring some snacks or even food for yourself. You don’t want to be caught slipping

Water

You need to have a water bottle, for yourself and for mum. For one, you need to stay hydrated. If you are in a hospital, constantly going to look for water can get annoying and sometimes the price for one bottle of water is just ridiculous. Carry a water bottle to save yourself that stress.

Coat/Jacket

Hospitals are notoriously cold and I have no idea why. It can be 80F outside but the hospital will be 65F. Please come with a coat, blanket sef if you may. Don’t say I didn’t tell you cause your teeth will be kissing each other the whole time.

Writing materials

The birthing experience is so special for my clients and I like to record every moment in writing. I take notes of all the small things partly to help me remember, but also to share with mum during our postpartum visits. It’s also something I can go back to years later and just reminisce of the experience of that birth. If this is you, consider having some writing materials in your bag as well.

Preferred birth plan

This is the document you developed with mum expressing what her wishes for the birth are. You may need a couple of copies so as to give to the nurses and midwives. You also need it as a reference so as to ensure you are abiding by mom’s wishes as much as possible.

Mom’s comfort measures

This is dependent on what you discussed with mom. She may have asked for hot water bottle, diffusers, essential oils, etc. Make sure to have them with you. She may or may not use them, but at least have them.

That’s all I have for now. For all my veteran doulas, what do you think of the list. Did I miss anything? To my new doulas, does it sound complete? Happy World Doula Week to everyone! Keep doing what you do best cause you rock!!!! Till next time, Bye!!!