When you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy, everyone talks about the importance of having your “hospital bag” packed with everything you might need once you go into labor and it’s time to deliver your baby. For doulas, whether your client is birthing in a hospital, birthing center, or the comfort of their own home, it is equally important that your doula bag is packed with everything you need to honor their birth preferences and support them through birth and into parenthood to the very best of your ability.
While every birth and every client is unique, with their own individualized set of wants and needs for what a positive birth experience means to them, some of our fan-favorites from the DOULA EXPO by Mama Glow are sure to bolster your doula work (both for the benefit of your client, as well as your own wellness through the process).
The Honey Pot: Postpartum Herbal Pads
Post-delivery can come with pain and discomfort for your client, which may be challenging for them to navigate against the excitement of a new baby and the rapid fluctuation of hormones. One way that you can provide them with physical soothing right after they’ve given birth is by making sure you have The Honey Pot‘s Postpartum Herbal Pads on hand in your doula bag. Their sanitary pads, crafted specifically with postpartum vaginal health in mind, minimize odor-causing bacteria, balance pH, and “cool” the sensitive area with ingredients including Rose, Aloe Vera, Mint, and Antioxidants.
The Honey Pot Postpartum Herbal Pads 12-Pack – $7.99
Liquid IV: Hydration Multiplier+ Immune Support
When you are focused on supporting your client through labor and delivery, it is easy to forget about your own body’s needs. Nevertheless, it is so important to make sure that, if nothing else, you are hydrated and healthy throughout the entire process. Liquid IV‘s hydration sticks are a yummy addition to any water bottle that work to enhance the rapid absorption of water and other nutrients into your bloodstream – maximizing the effectiveness of every sip so you can work safely and attentively knowing your body has what it needs to keep you going. We love that Liquid IV makes a formula that includes Vitamin C and Zinc for immune support, to help guard you against illnesses you may be exposed to while you work (especially if the birth is taking place in a hospital setting).
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier+ Immune Support – $24.99
Momotaro Apotheca: Jojoba Oil Tonic
When we asked our Mama Glow doula community what their doula bag “must-haves” are, so many responded that they always make sure to pack a Jojoba-based body oil for massage. Momotaro Apotheca‘s organic jojoba oil Tonic is a great tool when soothing the laboring patient with touch, or to help encourage closeness between the birthing person and their partner. It’s infused with Tea Tree and Cedarwood essential oils, engaging multiple senses to help calm and center your client. While the Tonic is great for softening, nourishing, and restoring sensitive skin, it is important to note that it shouldn’t come into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes.
Momotaro Apotheca TONIC – $44
BTR Bar: Dark Chocolate Brownie Recharge Bar
When packing your doula bag, do not forget to pack your snacks. More importantly, do not forget to pack snacks that are easy and delicious to eat and pack a nutritional punch to make sure you are sustained throughout your work. The last thing you want is to feel weak or fatigued when supporting a laboring client. Luckily. BTR Bar‘s plant-powered, adaptogenic protein bars are the perfect easy-to-pack superfood companion to keep you going as a doula. Their bars come in four different intentions: ZEN (Cherry Chocolate Chip), ENERGY (Cinnamon Cookie Dough), BLISS (Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip), and RECHARGE (Dark Chocolate Brownie). RECHARGE is packed with brain-boosting MCT oil, cacao, spinach, and kale, to give your brain a needed reset and help you through to the other side of your work!
BTR Bar RECHARGE Bundle (24-Count) – $60
Rae’s Roots: Motherhood Wellness Teas
Brewing a cup of tea (for yourself or for someone else) is one of the simplest yet most significant acts of care a person can give and tea can act as a great source of comfort and soothing for the birthing person after delivery. Rae’s Roots concocted their tea blends with motherhood in mind, and come in four flavors “for the mom who’s about to embark in all stages of motherhood:” Expecting Mama (with raspberry leaf and ginger), Milk Flow (with fennel, stinging nettle, anise, and fenugreek), Belly Soother (a classic Chai for digestive ease), and Rest Easy (with Tulsi and Chamomile).
Rae’s Roots Motherhood Wellness Package – $58
WTHN: Ear Seed Kit
WTHN utilizes Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote support and healing for their in-studio acupuncture clients, but they also carry a great line of products so that those practices can continue at home. Their Ear Seed Kits are both stylish and effective, functioning as tiny adhesive beads that, when applied to specific acupressure points on the ear, stimulate the brain to help reduce stress, relieve pain, and restore hormonal balance. You may want to consider applying the seeds to your own ears before heading to a birth to help you stay centered and supported, or after the birth has ended to promote rest and rebalance. If so, the “How-To” map that comes with the kit makes it easier than ever for you to adhere the dainty seeds yourself.
WTHN Ear Seed Kit – $45
* Please note that, when determining how to price your services, you should absolutely incorporate your product needs into that budget and be clear with your client when an “add-on” to your doula bag will come with an added expense.
