Browse Courses & Tools
A Doula’s Essentials: Unpacking My Birth Bag
PinLinkedIn
A red bag on a bed with a person's hand reaching in.

I’m often asked what I carry in my birth bag. the truth of the matter is that I carry a lot fewer things the longer I’ve been a doula. but I still have some things that I love that I wouldn’t leave home without. so without further ado here are my favorite things for my birth bag.

Some of the links on this page are from other sites, including Amazon, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you and the money is used to fund scholarships for the doula training. 

Retractable String Lights

Fairy lights are a great way to change the atmosphere really quickly. I’ve also spent more hours than I care to admit untangling the buggers and more money than I care to admit replacing them when I was unsuccessful. That is until I found these retractable string lights that have their own case – they are rechargeable. It also has the ability to be a flashlight and serves as a battery pack to charge my phone. This has been a game changer! Buy the Retractable String Lights

Cold/Metal Roller Ball Massager
Roller Ball Massager
I love the roller ball massagers for a lot of reasons. Namely, they are easier for me to hold on to and provide firm and consistent pressure when I’m pressing it into someone. This is particularly important when you’re tired or if you have issues with your hands like arthritis or something else that affects the strength or creates pain if you massage with hands alone for too long. A note – you can buy them on a stick if you prefer. I’ve not used these but I’d imagine that they are fine. I also like to get the metal ones because they retain heat and cold better than the regular ones. No matter which you get – turn it upside down in a cup of ice and viola – you have a cold massager. Buy the Roller Ball Massager; Buy the Cold/Metal Roller Ball Massager
Foldable Frisbees
These make great fans. When you buy them in bulk, they are fairly inexpensive. I give at least one to every client because they always want to keep them to use after the baby. I do give it before in my client goodie bag, but I always have extras in my doula bag. Sometimes the client is fanning themselves, and the partner and I have fans and are fanning too! It’s a fun little thing that packs a big punch in comfort. Buy Foldable Frisbees

This is something that you could also possibly purchase with your company logo on it.

5 Inch Plastic Combs
This is another item in my client’s goodie bag. They get a pair! This is used for acupressure points on the hands. The client grips on in each hand. Remember learning about the Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control theory of pain relief in labor? This is one of the stars of the show! This is simple and easy. Your client can do it alone or with others. You can have them use it in the car. No side effects and no restrictions! I even use this with an epidural for people who feel more discomfort or pain than they expected. It’s simple, inexpensive, and really handy. (No pun intended!) I like the 5-inch comb with no handle. You can do whatever you can find. Buy 5 Inch Plastic Combs

Aromatherapy Stickers
These discreet stickers are perfect for labor and transitioning into the operating room. They provide a personal, calming scent without overwhelming the environment, making them ideal for sensitive situations like surgery prep.
Check out Aromatherapy Stickers

Lava Bracelets for Aromatherapy
These bracelets are a versatile tool for labor support. A few drops of essential oil allow for a quick change of scents, offering personalized aromatherapy without filling the entire room. They’re comfortable to wear and easy to use for both clients and doulas.
Check out Lava Bracelets

Vomit Bags
Seriously you never know when someone is going to throw up. it could be at their house or in the parking lot or even in the car. while I do not use these at every single birth, I am so glad I have them in my bag. It has prevented me from having to clean up a mess in so many places. You may have a nurse help you clean up a mess at the hospital, at someone’s house I usually wind up doing it. Buy the Vomit Bags
Large Ice Pack for Back
For home births and birth centers, I love this tool. it can also be used while you’re still at home but for a hospital birth. it is large enough to cover the entire back and it is soft enough that you can press through it and still do counter pressure. the only reason I don’t take it to a hospital is because it makes it hard to keep it cool and I often forget it in my very own freezer. Buy Large Ice Pack for Back
Refillable Ice Bags
This is the next best thing. these are soft and large. you can refill them. it also allows you to add as much or as little ice as you would like. it’s got straps on it so that you could tie it to a certain body part, but I actually usually wind up tearing these off or cutting them off because they just wind up dangling and getting a little silly. While these are reusable, they are used for only one client at a time. so if you use it with a client, throw it away. It does not go to the next client. Buy Refillable Ice Bags
65 cm Birth Ball
Technically it’s not my birth bag, but I do keep a 65 cm birth ball in my car. If the hospital doesn’t have one, if it is underinflated, or no one can find a pump, or if it is in use with someone else, I can pull this one out of my car if need be. They are easily found in many big box stores under the exercise section often sold in yoga. just double-check the materials and size. Buy a 65 cm Birth Ball
50 cm Peanut Ball
Much like the birth ball, I keep a 50 cm peanut ball in my trunk. I can run out and get it if I need it so that I know I always have one if I have a client who has a need, but I’m not hauling it through the hospital all the time. I will also say that if I take a birth or peanut ball inside the hospital, it is now a gift to the hospital. I don’t bring it home. Buy 50 cm Peanut Ball
Electric Air Pump
Ball Tool Kit

This is a luxury item but it usually costs about 15 dollars, if you don’t already have one in your garage, a ball pump will allow you to blow up a ball quickly. I also like the little ball removal tool that comes with the ball that you buy. be sure to save that. If you forget it or lose it you can always snag a set on Amazon to leave in your bag. Buy an Electric Air Pump; or Buy a Mini Electric Pump or Buy a Ball Tool Kit

Shoulder Length Gloves for Water Birth
If you’ve taken my water birth class you know that I love myself some long gloves. these are great for when you have a client who is birthing in the water or laboring in the water and they want a lot of counter pressure or any kind of touch that would involve me touching water. since you don’t know what kind of things are in the water it’s always important to protect yourself. these long gloves are inexpensive enough that you can get them and use them at birth. So I always have a few pairs stuffed in my birth bag. Buy Shoulder Length Gloves for Water Birth
Vinyl Disposable Gloves
I like to make sure that I have gloves that fit and that I know that I prefer. while I’m not doing anything medical, I also like to use these for things like holding vomit bags or picking up wet towels with amniotic fluid. and so many other things as well. I always put a couple of these gloves in my pocket for when I’m at a birth and when I need it I can just slip one or two on. I prefer those without powder – Be sure to think about that and the sizing for your hands. Try some at the hospital if you’re not sure of the size. Buy Vinyl Disposable Gloves
24 oz Owala Free Sip Water Bottle

Believe me I asked myself why I needed another water bottle but my kids swore that this one would change my life. OMG! They were right. This has so many cool features and options on how to drink, and it’s spill proof in your birth bag! It has a built in handle too. Now you can buy it bigger, but the 24 oz size fits in my car holder, my doula bag, water bottle slot, and it has slight indentations for me to hold it better. Buy an Owala 24 oz Free Sip Water Bottle

Read the weirdest Things Doulas Put in their birth Bags
PinLinkedIn

More
articles

Doula Doing Journaling through Burnout

Is Burnout Threatening Your Doula Career?

Doula burnout is real and on the rise. Discover the subtle warning signs and what to do if you feel overwhelmed. Get tips for implementing sustainable self-care practices that allow you to thrive, not just survive, in this rewarding role.

Read More »
A woman sits at her desk, talking on her phone. The words: 15 Ways to Market Your Doula Business in Just 5 Minutes, are written on top of the image.

15 Ways to Market Your Doula Business in Just 5 Minutes

Discover 15 quick and effective ways to market your doula business in just 5 minutes each. From engaging on social media to updating your website, these simple strategies are designed to fit into your busy schedule and help grow your business efficiently. Perfect for doulas looking to make a big impact with minimal time investment.

Read More »

Purchase a Course Today

Don't delay; invest in your future and make a difference in countless lives by enrolling in our comprehensive doula course today.

View Available Courses
Sign Up for a Newsletter
Robin Elise Weiss
PhD, MPH, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), CLC, LCCE, FACCE
Advanced Certified Doula and Birth Doula Trainer
Useful Links
Contact

Copyright © All 2025 REW & Associates
Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions

LearnToBeADoula.com does not, nor shall we ever, discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, gender expression, race, color, religion or creed, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our clients, and members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.

Scroll to Top