One of the questions I get asked the most as a doula is: “What do you bring with you to a birth?”
Truthfully, I carry a Mary Poppins-style bag of comfort, tools, and essentials because birth is unpredictable…and it’s my job to show up prepared for anything.

Every birth looks different, and what I pull out of my bag depends on what each mama needs in the moment. Sometimes it’s a cool towel and my hands to squeeze hips. Sometimes it’s a rebozo and clary sage. And other times it’s a protein bar for me at 3am after being awake for 14 hours.

Here’s a peek inside my doula bag:

Personal Essentials for Me

Taking care of myself during long births allows me to take better care of my clients. In my “doula survival kit,” I pack:

• Makeup wipes, toothbrush + toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, and hair ties (because sometimes I’m there for days).
• Chapstick (hospitals can be very dry feeling)
• Mints and/or gum (no mama wants a doula with coffee breath!).
• A hairbrush and claw clip for quick fixes.
• Hand sanitizer (a must).

Comfort Measures for Mom

This is where my bag really shines! These items help bring physical and emotional relief during labor:

• Extra chapstick (because dry lips in labor are real).
• Labor combs (yes, they’re amazing for pain management through acupressure points).
• A microwavable heat pack for sore muscles (used without an epidural).
• A fan and cooling towel (especially for transition when moms often feel overheated).
• Eye mask for grounding and rest.
• A rebozo (a traditional woven scarf that can be used for comfort, positioning, and relaxation)
• Stress balls/hand massage balls for during contractions.

Essential Oils

I don’t overuse oils, but when moms want them, they can be a powerful tool. My go-to kit includes:

• Clary sage – encouraging contractions when needed.
• Peppermint – for nausea or even helping mama pee after birth.
• Orange – uplifting, energizing, and also soothing for nausea.
• Lavender – calming and grounding.
• Valor – a blend for emotional support and courage.
• Tranquil- a blend for peace and calming.
• Unscented fractionated coconut oil – for touch and massage.
• Cotton Balls- to hold and inhale the essential oils.

Snacks & Fuel

Birth work is a marathon, not a sprint. I bring snacks for myself and for mama:

• Honey sticks (a quick burst of natural energy).
• Electrolyte packets.
• Protein bars.
• Cheerios (for moms who are nauseous but still need a snack).
• Bone Broth packets.
• (I also recommend clients pack their favorite snacks: think fruit, apple sauce packets, crackers, or anything easy to nibble on between contractions).

Doula Resources

• Doula Deck – This is a set of cards with affirmations, comfort measures, and labor suggestions. It’s an easy way to bring fresh encouragement into the room. (I found mine on Amazon!)
• Spinning Babies Quick Reference Guide – Because positioning can make all the difference in labor progress, this is one of my favorite tools.

Tech & Tools

• A long phone charger + power bank because births can be long, and I’m often running on little sleep.
• AirPods for listening to a podcast, watching a show, or scrolling on socials while in the waiting room or while mama sleeps.
• My camera bag is separate but always with me—packed with camera bodies, lenses, flashes, batteries, SD cards, and chargers. Birth photography is one of my greatest passions, and being prepared ensures I never miss a moment.

A Doula Doesn’t NEED a Bag of Tricks..

Every item in my bag is there with intention. Some tools are for physical comfort, some for emotional grounding, and some simply to keep me functional at 3am when labor is still unfolding.

That being said…sometimes I don’t pull a single thing out of my bag. Labor is most often best supported through encouragement, reminders to keep sounds low, breathing techniques, hip squeezes, and simply holding space. My bag is there when we need it, but the heart of doula work will always be presence, reassurance, and steady support.

Want to see my favorite doula bag finds?

I’ll be making a reel soon with a peek inside my bag. I also keep an updated Amazon List for those who are curious about the exact products I use.