As a labor and delivery doula, I have what some people have called a “bag of tricks” that I bring when women call me in labor. Many of the tools I bring to a birth are not really things at all.
As I meet with women and their partners, I often tell them that preparing for birth, discussing their preferences, spending time researching their options, and surrounding themselves with a supportive birth team are some of the most important “items” they can bring to their labor and birth. I do, however, bring or recommend several things to help with labor comfort and to promote labor progress. Here is a list of some of the tools I recommend having available to help you during labor. Many birth facilities have will already have some of these for you to use, so ask about them before labor starts. That way you know which items you want to consider bringing with you from home.
- Pillows – your own pillow (I recommend placing it in a patterned or colored pillow case to avoid your favorite pillow accidently becoming mixed up, lost, or forgotten) – if you have a body, maternity, or breast feeding support pillow you may want to bring them along as well – and if your partner plans to spend the night at the birth facility with you, don’t forget a comfortable pillow for them too
- Rice socks– put a cup or two of dry rice in a tube style sock – this can be heated in the microwave and used as a heating pack or used for pressure – such as placing in a spot on your lower back
- Cold packs – you can buy bags that can be filled with ice or commercial cold packs
- Music – develop a play list on your phone or other device of songs that are comforting to you – consider a mix of music that is relaxing, energizing, comforting, etc. that you can use depending on your mood or stage of labor
- Lighting – avoid using bright florescent lights – dim lights when possible and consider bringing some small battery-operated tea lights to create a relaxing environment – an eye mask for resting during and after labor may be helpful too
- Essential oils – choose those that help with relaxation, nausea, comfort, and energy (lavender, citrus, and peppermint are my favorites) – some of them can be mixed with carrier oils or lotions, placed on your linen or a cotton ball, or a diffuser. A massage oil or lotion is great too. If you like to diffuse oils, look into a small battery-operated diffuser and check with your birthing facility about using it
- Chapstick or lip gloss – nausea, labor breathing, and the work of labor can leave your lips dry
- Massage tools – or tennis balls – for massage and pressure points
- Fan – handheld or small battery operated one
- Socks – comfortable socks with grips on the bottom
- Shower shoes, slippers, or flip flops
- Hydration and nutrition – water bottle (with a straw is helpful – if your hands are occupied or you are laying down), sports or nutrition drinks or coconut water, protein bars (for early labor and for your partner), honey sticks, etc.
- Gum or mints – for mom and the birth team
- Hair ties and / or head band
- Rebozo – this is a long woven Mexican garment shaped similar to a shall or scarf that has a beautiful history of use to carry babies and supplies and its use in labor has been passed down from generations of midwives and women. Ask your doula or research ways you can use it in labor for pain relief, support, and positioning. If you do not have a traditional Rebozo, a thin flat sheet folded can be used to provide some of the same benefits
- Birth ball or yoga / exercise ball – great for both active and resting positioning during labor
- Peanut ball – also great for a variety of labor positions and in assisting with labor progress by promoting optimal fetal rotation and descent
- Toiletries – it may seem like an obvious or small thing, but even your toothbrush and toothpaste can bring great comfort if you experience nausea or vomiting in labor – also your own soap, lotion, and scents that you prefer can be comforting
- Shower cap for you and swim shorts for your partner – you may want a shower cap if you are planning a water birth or even considering getting in the shower for comfort during labor and do not want to worry with wet hair and consider bringing swim shorts if you want your partner to provide comfort in the birthing pool or shower with you
- Mirror – many birthing facilities offer a mirror for you during the pushing phase if you want to see your labor progress and to encourage your pushing efforts
- Squatting bar or birthing stool – some birthing facilities offer a squatting bar that can be used on your labor bed to facilitate different positions while laboring and pushing – some facilities also offer birthing stools for positioning
- Your phone and charger – for taking photos, reading, music, etc. – a long phone charger or a small extension cord can be helpful for keeping your phone location convenient depending on where outlets are available in your birthing space
- A journal or notepad and pen for writing down questions, journaling, making notes, etc.
- Focus board, affirmation cards, quotes, or scriptures for birth – these can all help to give you encouragement and focus as you labor
Think of things that you find comforting or helpful to you when you experience pain and choose which items from this list and from your own comfort items to have available when labor starts. Enjoy this time preparing for the birth you desire!
