One of the crucial common questions in my Postpartum Doula trainings and on social media is “what ought to I pack in my postpartum doula bag?”. When discussing this with my college students or different new doulas, I typically rattle off an inventory of frequent gadgets, after which throw a couple of different concepts at them that they could not have considered. My bag contents change fairly a bit relying on the hours I’m working, and the household’s wants. Now, due to COVID-19, I’ve discovered myself needing to replace the record as soon as once more. Listed below are some issues to contemplate placing into your postpartum doula bag:
Consumer file/folder. I’ve a folder for each household I work with, with their Consumption Sheet stapled to the within cowl and a spot to take notes. I even have a hardcopy of their signed contract and will throw in some helpful handouts.
Pen. I are likely to make notes in my folder on issues I want to debate with my shoppers, or something out of types that I witnessed that must be documented. After all, you’ll be able to maintain notes in your cellphone too.
Socks with rubber on the soles. This enables me to take away my sneakers of their residence with out slipping and sliding on their flooring whereas holding the newborn!
Electronics (cellphone, cellphone charger, iPad/laptop computer). When working overnights, there tends to be downtime. I could possibly get some finding out finished or emails answered if all of my duties are finished and everyone seems to be sleeping. For these of you working in your certification, throw your studying books in there too!
Emergency package. Contact lens resolution, aspirin, hand lotion, breath mints, hair tie, menstrual provides, and many others
Dishwashing gloves. Sounds sort of bizarre, however after you understand how a lot you’re washing dishes, bottles, counters, and many others, you shortly understand that your pores and skin is dry and cracked. Gloves will help forestall over-drying of arms.
Paper towels. Since COVID, I’ve been much more conscious of surfaces that I are available in contact with and a few households don’t have paper towels of their properties. After washing my arms, I don’t wish to dry them on a towel that others have been utilizing.
Hand sanitizer. We all know that the simplest method to take away germs is to scrub with cleaning soap and water, however generally, we want a fast sanitizing, so maintain a small bottle readily available.
Pattern/demo merchandise for shoppers. Do you might have a fantastic swaddle blanket, babywearing wrap/sling, white noise machine, and many others that you just’d wish to introduce to your shoppers? Throw them in your bag and provides them a possibility to attempt them out.
Snacks/water. You’ll want to keep hydrated and nourished doing this work. Choose wholesome snacks for vitality which can be fast to eat and don’t neglect to drink loads of water!
My bag contents change regularly. There are a ton of potentialities! The above is only a staple record of things so that you can think about, however I’d love to listen to some ideas on what you place in your postpartum doula bag (AKA: Mary Poppins Bag).
Concerning the Creator
Darla Burns, CLD, CPD, CCCE, CLE has been supporting girls and households as a delivery doula since 1990 and was licensed by DONA in 2003. Discovering that she additionally cherished working with the households after they delivered, she then grew to become a CAPPA licensed postpartum doula in 2004. Quickly thereafter, she grew to become an authorized childbirth educator and lactation educator. Her love of working with households and sharing her information with others led her to her place as a college member for CAPPA. When she’s not doing doula work, she spends her time together with her husband and two nice youngsters.
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