As a doula, I never know for sure how long I will be with a client. Birth is unpredictable, after all, and my time with the family can be as short as a few hours, or as long as a couple of days. I have to have a well-stocked bag of supplies (1) to keep me going, and (2) to keep mama well supported.
Many clients bring the essentials for their comfort with them to the birth center or hospital. Of course, homebirth families have the convenience of home and comfort without packing! Most birth facilities also offer a lot of support products, such as birth balls, hot/cold compresses, etc. This is great, because it means I can focus on the little things that help me give a personal touch to the labor support that I provide.
I like to have my rebozo with me, as it can come in very handy for comfort measures or "sifting". I also have a bottle of lovely body lotion from Earth Mama Baby Angel for rubbing mama's hands and feet. It is lightly scented and has no toxic ingredients, which is essential. I tote along a copy of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn, and a copy of the family's Birth Plan. I keep it pretty simple, preferring to focus on using my presence, voice, body, and heart to offer the bulk of support.
Then there are the items that *I* need. My contact lens case and glasses, toothbrush and toothpaste, a Lara Bar or some other quick and easy food, change of clothes & shoes, extra ponytail holder, some cash for more food and/or parking, and an easy knitting project (for when mama is sleeping and papa is having a break).
This morning I got a call that a client's contractions had started during the night, so hopefully we'll be meeting her baby girl sometime today. I'm putting my bag together now, with one change - instead of knitting I'm taking study material for the *three* tests I have next week! If she dozes, I can sit for a bit and go through my flashcards. Ah, the life of the doula-student!
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