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When I started out as a doula, I went on the hunt for all the things to put in my doula bag. My doula trainer had starter packs available for us after we trained and some of the tools mentioned in this post is what she had.
I think my absolute favorite tool is the Millard Peanut Ball https://amzn.to/3as5xO9.
I call mine “Dillard the Millard.” The reason why I love it so much is that it can be used in a different variety of ways. It’s especially great for moms who have an epidural and needs help with baby descending. Placing the ball between mom’s legs helps mom’s hips open up.
A great resource on how to use a peanut ball can be found here at Premier Birth Tools. This was another invaluable purchase. https://premierbirthtools.com/store/set-7-childbirth-charts/ They came laminated and I hole punched them and put them in a binder that I carry with me to births. I think I have referenced to these at almost every birth. It’s a great resource to have on hand. I also made copies and put in a binder that I let my clients borrow. I do this, so they can familiarize themselves with different positions also that they may want to try in labor.
My second favorite tool that I have in my doula bag is these Wildflower Honey Sticks from The Honey Jar. https://amzn.to/3OYc8iq They are GREAT for a mom who just needs an extra boost during labor and usually they don’t even have to eat the whole stick. It’s that effective! It would also be a good idea when moms aren’t allowed to eat in labor at the hospital. But I will always have these at a birth with me.
A battery operated fan https://amzn.to/3R02b5o is my next favorite doula tool! Labor can be a lot of hard work and the hormonal changes that come with it also. Having a hand held fan is handy (see what I did there?) to cool mom off.
Don’t laugh at this one! My hands is another favorite tool of mine. Knowing how to do hip squeezes and putting pressure on the lower back has been more useful than all the little massage tools I have in my bag. Not to say that one day I may use them, but I have used my hands a lot more!
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