Many doulas start out with huge bags containing everything they can imagine they might one day need. In many cases the bags are never even opened! The most important aspect is whether or not it is the responsibility of the doula to being everything along. As a doula your role is in supporting the mother to find her own voice, to own her experience, and to build her confidence. Imagine how you could achieve that more effectively if you provided her with a list of things she might like to pack herself and then leaving her to determine what is important to her and what is not. She may not choose some things and then later wish she had. But it is not the job of the doula to save her - instead you are a witness to her journey, and that includes the things she is happy she chose and the things she wishes she had done differently.

Some of the things in your bag will be specifically for you. they might include:

• Gloves - for when you are cleaning up to avoid any contamination with body fluids
• Tampons or sanitary towels
• Cellphone
• Money
• Snacks
• Something to read for quiet times
• Paper and pen for taking notes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Water for drinking
• Handcream - the powder in latex gloves can dry out the skin
• Kneeling pad - in case you have to kneel by the bath

So, if you were going to provide a list, or pack your own bag, what should be on it? Below are the things that we have found helpful to share with parents.

• Rice Socks - these are easily made by filling a cotton sock with raw rice and then tying a knot in the end. The sock can be heated in a microwave for a minute or two and then used on the lower back or lower belly.
• Hairbrush and ties to hold hair back from the face
• Food and drinks for mother and supporters
• Camera
• Birth ball for sitting on, rocking, or leaning over
• Oils or massage tools
• Battery operated fan
• Socks
• Lip balm

And for those doulas who really do want to have everything they might need, a kind of "just in case" bag, the list below might be helpful. Remember though, you really can go along with nothing except your phone, some money and something to read for quiet times. The essential things you will always have with you.

• Peppermint spray or mints to eat - refreshing and good for nausea
• Comb - can be useful in stimulating acupressure points on the hands for pain relief
• Lollipops - when sucked can stimulate a pressure point in the roof of the mouth that triggers oxytocin production
• Small handheld mirror
• Playdough - can be good for squeezing
• Playing cards
• Facecloth
• Straws for mother to sip drinks with
• Cold pack
• Inflatable head cushion for the bath

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How does Childbirth International training address this?

All Childbirth International certification courses include a section on equipment and supplies for birth professionals. It forms part of the section on "Establishing your business."

All Childbirth International students are invited to be part of the email list community consisting of students from across the world. With experienced and new doulas all sharing together you will pick up many tips on how to successfully work as a doula and network with like minded birth professionals.

For more information on training with Childbirth International, take a look at our website, or contact us.

Childbirth International offers training programs for Birth Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Childbirth Educators and Breastfeeding Counselors. In June 2009 we introduced a business course for birth professionals to help you build and grow your business.